2016-11-03T21:36:34Z

Barz:

Dale News - 2016

2016-10-31T20:43:07Z

Barz:

Dale News - 2016

2016-10-26T08:31:27Z

Barz: Created page with "__NOTOC__ {| cellpadding=5 ! style="text-align:left; width:25%"| Date ! style="text-align:left; width:25%"| Location ! style="text-align:left; width:50%"| Title |- |25 Octob..."

Dale News - 2015-05

2015-05-12T20:15:40Z

Barz: Created page with "__NOTOC__ {| cellpadding=5 ! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date ! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location ! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title |- |07 || ES..."

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{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
|07 || ESGAROTH || [[#Plans for an Elven encounter|Plans for an Elven encounter]]
|-
|12 || ESGAROTH || [[#A ring!?|A ring!?]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Plans for an Elven encounter
|author=Brev
|dateposted=7 May 2015
|postbody=
Did you hear, House Taurdain is planning some fancy trip to Celebannon? Apparently Lady ISOBEL was to discuss it with the Steward, and I overheard her husband, Lord BREV, talking about it with one of the scholars. AETHEL, someone told me his name was. The fellow was fairly falling over himself with eagerness to visit Elves - as well he might, I've heard they do some right fancy magic! Wouldn't mind seeing it myself! Supposedly Lady Isobel was inviting representatives of every House and Guild - do you reckon the likes of me could wangle a place? Maybe it's worth a try.

What? No, they didn't say why they were going. Some noble whim, likely. Either that or they've decided that this year they'll go begging for food /before/ the winter turns bad. Here, do you think we're in for another bad winter?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A ring!?
|author=Gerik
|dateposted=12 May 2015
|postbody=
The towns folk near the gate are a buzz with gossip it seems which spreads through the city itself.

Lady A.: Wonder what his angle is with that healer..

Person B: You mean Gerik that lord of Kareth

Lady A.: That's the one he's always hanging around that healer and holding hands and I've heard they kissed even. Person B: Oh you haven't heard? They are an item have been for months and what's more... yesterday they left out of the gate towards the lake side with a picnic basket. They pause for dramatic effect. When they made it back through the gates though? Isleen was wearing a ring on her finger sure as anything!

Lady A. You mean they got engaged!?

Person B. They did they weren't hiding it or anything, that will be a fun party that when they do get married!
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2015-04

2015-04-21T19:30:09Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
|14 || ESGAROTH || [[#In Your Heart Shall Burn|In Your Heart Shall Burn ]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=In Your Heart Shall Burn
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=14 April 2015
|postbody=
By the gate to the city stand two guards, both looking amused and, oddly enough, partaking in some local gossip. The first, not taking a care to lower his voice says over the noise of people. "My wife was workin' at tha hall, came home with a tale! Told me it was that Warden THORALD's birthday, bunch of men be celebratin' that!"

The other shrugs. "So? We all got them birthdays doesn' make his any different."

"It sure does," Says the first. "Wife was tellin' me that Steward, ORIANA, of Karath, came walking in and gave him about the best present a unwed man could get!"

Well now the second man perks up, asking with a wave of his hand for the first to continue, and so he does. "Wife says she saw them kissin'! Right and proper do none of that proper noble junk you see them doin', that they were all cozy like. He was even sharin' his drink! His -drink-. If you're askin' me, that'd be somethin'!"

The second man snaps his fingers. "Damn it, I was workin' up the courage to talk to her! Ah well, never was gonna happen anyway I ain't no noble. So the two are gettin' on then? Well I'll be.."

The first nods. "I'd think so, or so my wife be thinkin' it anyway. Why else would you be makin' eyes and kissin' in public? Unless he was dared to for a pretty penny, or a lot, given how well she can hit."

The two then go about their chattering, loudly as the locals hear it while going about their days.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2015-02

2015-03-02T21:01:37Z

Barz:

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
|04 || ESGAROTH || [[#Can't pay, won't pay!|Can't pay, won't pay!]]
|-
|09 || ESGAROTH || [[#What was that?|What was that?]]
|-
|13 || ESGAROTH || [[#Baskets and Blushes|Baskets and Blushes]]
|-
|24 || ESGAROTH || [[#Story meeting|Story meeting]]
|-
|24 || ESGAROTH || [[#Dark Shadows|Dark Shadows]]
|-
|24 || ESGAROTH || [[#Strange bedfellows?|Strange bedfellows?]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Can't pay, won't pay!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=4 February 2015
|postbody=
You'll never guess who I saw in the Fishtale the other afternoon: Lady ORIANA Karath! Aye, she didn't even have the grace to look embarrassed, she was smiling as she talked with the old fellow tending the bar. Oh, and there was someone else too, though it took me a while to recognize her: that ragamuffin LOUSE turned up like the proverbial bad penny. Funny, she looks different somehow (did /you/ know her hair was blonde under all that dirt? Nope, me neither). Her manners haven't changed, though, judging by the way she demanded a drink. A fellow in a grey cloak (DAEGAL), said something to her as he left and I do hope it was a reprimand!

Anyway, Lady Oriana had the bartender bring out some woman who was pregnant, and far along too by the looks of it. I was worried she was about to drop! The woman seemed to be expecting a handout from Karath, said something about giving 'mah babeh its rightful due' and 'payin' up'. Maybe she's the one the rumour-mill said was carrying Lord Bernar's child? But Oriana gave her the brush-off, cool as a cucumber, informed her that House Karath would not be party to extortion and then swept out of the place without passing on so much as a penny.

Louse didn't hand over any pennies either - complained that the bartender had spilled half her drink (if you ask me, fear of House Karath made his hand shake worse than usual!) and announced he could keep it, as she wasn't paying up. Instead she stormed off. I suppose she must have passed Lady Oriana somewhere along the Wharf, but I wasn't wasting time on following them.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=What was that?
|author=Thorald
|dateposted=9 February 2015
|postbody=
Most of the people of Esgaroth living near the docks were blissfully unaware of an event happening right at their doorstep in the early hours of a particularly chilly winter's day. Those who witnessed it, claim that a group of Esgaroth Watchmen along with a couple of soldiers from the Order of the Black Arrow and several Royal Wardens, walked down to that hut that was on fire a couple of years ago? You know, the Old Bugger's former house? Well, nobody knew there were people living there! But I guess the guard did since they went right over and that fellow from the House Karath that has been gone for a while - THORALD, I think his name was - went and knocked on the door!

We didn't expect him to get an answer but some fool opened anyway and then all hell broke loose! There were half-dressed men, fully armored and all of them were armed to the teeth! Albeit some of them had less than ideal weapons and shields - a stool for a shield? Really, now... But yes, the Watch under the command of Sergeant LOREN(played by Isobel), handled it quite well. The Steward of House Karath, ORIANA, was there, too. She was staying back until some unfortunate bugger ran straight by her and she took him out with a fierce left-hook. Wouldn't want to be him when he wakes up.

Did you know LOUSE(played by Brev) is a Warden now? Well, she showed up in their armor and everything and kicked some wiry fellow's behind - or his bells, more like, ahem! - and made us all proud, what with being one of us and everything. The leader of this violent gang living in that house was someone called ROB(temped by Cer) and he almost got away, too, if it weren't for the Royal Wardens by the dock in a boat. That new High Warden gives me creeps, with his weird eyes and odd smile. Pfft, southerners...

Anyway, the sun was coming up when they were cleaning up the mess and taking the survivors in. I went over and asked officer LOREN about what this was all about and he rather grumpily told me to mind my own business! How rude! Said:"If you were supposed to know, you would have been told." Well, I never! But yes. In the end, a couple of the fiends were cut down for violently resisting their arrest, the Karath fellow was stabbed in the back and Loren fe--- OW! Oh... I err... mean, he was so great we all should be thankful we have him protecting our city! Yes, sir!

The prisoners were taken to the stockades and the wounded were swooped up by the healers. Speaking of which. Hey, pretty lady. I got this nasty bump in the midst of all the fierce fighting... Ow!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Baskets and Blushes
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=13 February 2015
|postbody=
"Well now," Says an old woman who is sitting in the market knitting away. There is another old woman who is wrinkled and dusty looking sitting beside her. "I saw that Lord GERIK wondering here yesterday, with that healer ISLEEN (played by Oriana). Whatever would a noble be doing with a commoner?!"

The dusty old woman laughs. "Taking pity on her I bet! But the lass is a pretty thing, though by far to shy if you ask me!"

The first not so old but old woman shrugs and knits. "Saw him give her a basket of food and some toys. Do you think? Maybe she is -"

The dusty looking old woman gasps. "Say no such thing! She may be a commoner but he is a noble man" They both burst into laughter suddenly. "I suppose that says it all! Why else would he be hanging about her hrm? Can't be because they get along.. could it?" The first older woman waves a hand as if to dismiss it. "Maybe we should keep our noses out of others business.." Again, there is a burst of laughter. They both know that is a lie..
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Story meeting
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=24 February 2015
|postbody=
Well, I can't tell you MUCH about it, I heard a little - of course, I -was- listening in. It's not every day that a Karath gets an invite to the Arathmor home. Lady ORIANA did show, and was polite as could be. It was that lord VARIC I saw her talking with in the study. Did I hear them talk about marriage? Well we all know how cunning -that- Arathmor can be, and I swear I saw him parading this man before the Steward! Is he playing match maker now? He can't truly be invested in her happiness? If you ask me.. something is afoot here, for their gain. And maybe it's through marriage.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Dark Shadows
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=24 February 2015
|postbody=
Two gurads walk down the streets of town talking - but none if it is assuring.

"I was on duty, guarding the doors, Lady ORIANA came through them with two guards. I know they went out for a ride to see something at the hillside. Whtever it was --" The first guard trails off with a shake of his head.

"Oh come on! You're always a worry wort, I bet it's nothing. But, finish!" Says the second.

Stopping the first guard looks to his companion with serious eyes and a tight jaw. "The Steward and the guards returned looking like death had spilled over them. Paler than pale. Lady Oriana went to her office and refused visitors. -Refused-. The guards were sent away. Something happened out there. Something out there made them -run-." There is no hiding the fear in his voice. "If they had to flee, how bad whatever is out there? I've never seen anything like it before.."

The other guard stands there, realizing the depth of this and then turns to look to the land. "You mean to say, something out there sent some of our strongest fighters running, with pure terror on their heels?"

The first guard nods and looks the same way. "Something is out there, hiding.."
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Strange bedfellows?
|author=Varic
|dateposted=24 February 2015
|postbody=
Val and Morgan huddle together outside the tavern, whispering gossip to pass the time while they wait for the rain to let up...

"What was Lady Oriana doing at Arathmor House again, the second time in a fortnight? She brought a handmaiden with her, this time... was she afraid to go into that serpent's nest alone? I would be!"

"Lord Varic had an Arathmor man of his own at hand when last they met... some minor noble of the house, I can't even remember his name. He left the city early this morning, isn't that odd? And he'd arrived by road, but he left over the lake..."

"Come to think, all the Arathmor cargo headed west has been diverted off the roads since Lady Oriana's second meeting with Lord Varic, and they're shipping with boats over the lake instead. They would have been using boats to begin with if that was the cheapest option, so what in the world did she tell him that made him switch to the watercraft?"

"It must have to do with whatever they're saying the Lady Steward saw on the hillside some nights past... Arathmor might be at odds with the Warriors most days, but even those spiders know to scurry away from whatever can scare a pack of Karaths into flight."

"How at odds are they really though, if Lord Varic keeps inviting Lady Oriana to call, and she keeps accepting it? You can't explain that! Did you know that my friend's aunt's neighbor knows some serving girls at Arathmor? Those girls are whispering that Lord Varic is trying to woo a Karath bride..."

"Not Lady Oriana! She wouldn't deal with those vipers!"

"She would if she had to finance a war against whatever's lurking out there in the dark, wouldn't she? If I was Girion or Taurdain, I wouldn't like to see a union like that coming up, no ma'am... Good thing Karath and Arathmor won't ever get along, because an alliance doesn't bear thinking about!"
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

2015-02-04T10:10:09Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
|04 || ESGAROTH || [[#Can't pay, won't pay!|Can't pay, won't pay!]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Can't pay, won't pay!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=4 February 2015
|postbody=
You'll never guess who I saw in the Fishtale the other afternoon: Lady ORIANA Karath! Aye, she didn't even have the grace to look embarrassed, she was smiling as she talked with the old fellow tending the bar. Oh, and there was someone else too, though it took me a while to recognize her: that ragamuffin LOUSE turned up like the proverbial bad penny. Funny, she looks different somehow (did /you/ know her hair was blonde under all that dirt? Nope, me neither). Her manners haven't changed, though, judging by the way she demanded a drink. A fellow in a grey cloak (DAEGAL), said something to her as he left and I do hope it was a reprimand!

Anyway, Lady Oriana had the bartender bring out some woman who was pregnant, and far along too by the looks of it. I was worried she was about to drop! The woman seemed to be expecting a handout from Karath, said something about giving 'mah babeh its rightful due' and 'payin' up'. Maybe she's the one the rumour-mill said was carrying Lord Bernar's child? But Oriana gave her the brush-off, cool as a cucumber, informed her that House Karath would not be party to extortion and then swept out of the place without passing on so much as a penny.

Louse didn't hand over any pennies either - complained that the bartender had spilled half her drink (if you ask me, fear of House Karath made his hand shake worse than usual!) and announced he could keep it, as she wasn't paying up. Instead she stormed off. I suppose she must have passed Lady Oriana somewhere along the Wharf, but I wasn't wasting time on following them.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2015-01

2015-01-26T20:34:34Z

Barz:

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
|09 || ESGAROTH || [[#An Avaricious Arathmor Arrives|An Avaricious Arathmor Arrives]]
|-
|13 || ESGAROTH || [[#Of handsome hoods|Of handsome hoods]]
|-
|13 || ESGAROTH || [[#I will cut you, boy!|I will cut you, boy!]]
|-
|14 || ESGAROTH || [[#Sick Servants|Sick Servants]]
|-
|21 || ESGAROTH || [[#Hell Hath No Fury|Hell Hath No Fury]]
|-
|23 || ESGAROTH || [[#Librarian Knows|Librarian Knows]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=An Avaricious Arathmor Arrives
|author=Varic
|dateposted=9 January 2015
|postbody=Short version:
VARIC Arathmor arrives in town, abuses his debtors, and is instructed in the righteous path of kindness by ORIANA Karath, at whom he scoffs. THORALD Karath skulks about in a hood sort-of-shopping and later is glimpsed by ORIANA, who is surprised at the fleeting sight. Elvish is spoken; Livestock phenomena is discussed.

Gossipy version:
"I was in the market today," Imulda remarks to her neighbor Lotte, who is unimpressed. "When are you not? You're always spending money you haven't got." Unimpressed and critical.
Imulda is undeterred. "And you wouldn't believe what I saw there, would you? There's a new Arathmor arrived in town, the young Lord VARIC Arathmor of Dale."
Lotte mulls it over. "A new Arathmor? I did think I'd misplaced some coins yesterday, but probably they ended up in his pockets, somehow."
Imulda goes on. "He was having it out with some poor merchant who was fool enough to borrow money from Arathmor from a venture that went bad. All the cargo lost, and now Lord Varic is calling in the debt, that that poor man's got nothin' to show for it, all that money borrowed. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes, to be sure! But they happened along the Lady ORIANA Karath, and there's a noble with a kind heart. She is the sweetest thing, isn't she? And so talented, she was even speaking the elf language today! Why isn't she married yet? Hm! Well she tried to tell the Arathmor that kindness and charity is a better way, but she should have known better, bless her, those types will never listen. Some man in a hood was hanging around the edges of their conversation, or maybe it was just coincidence... he stepped right through the pair of them, anyhow, and Lady Oriana looked like she'd seen a ghost." (Cameo appearance by the redoubtable THORALD).
"I wonder who it could have been?" Lotte wonders.
"I don't know," Imulda admits. "Probably someone wondering why any decent girl would take so long talking to them as have never got anything nice to say."
Lotte admits to having heard some gossip already, "Is it true that he called her a two-headed sheep?"
Imulda cackles. "He might have done. Who knows what goes on in those addled minds?"

}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Of handsome hoods
|author=Thorald
|dateposted=13 January 2015
|postbody="You know that story Ines... errr... Ermessinde? Imelda? Zelda? Well, anyway, the one she spun about the Arathmor and that manly Steward of Karath?"

"Come now, Piggy, she's not really that manly. When she wears a dress, I can see the...,"

"Shut up and look busy, boss is coming!"

...

"So yes, I know who that hooded person was that stalked the... err... girly Steward of Karath."

"Reaaallly? How would you possibly know?"

"I was making deliveries on the square and heard it clearly! She said it was her brother!"

"That's very unlikely..."

"Don't hail on my march!"

"You mean, rain on your parade?"

"What parade? What are you talking about?!"

"It is the say--- ugh, nevermind. Did the stranger look like... what did they call him? Bear? Moose? Something like that."

"I don't know but they must be close because when we came back to the docks, I saw them chatting by the railing, all close and such. Hrm.. so if not her brother, it must be her man!"

"Why would Lord Gerik hide himself like that?"

"Pfft! Please, he's not her man, he's too soft!"

"He's in the army, he can't be soft, Piggy. When you're hip-deep in orcs, you gotta be tough."

"Yes well, that's what I've heard. Shh! He's coming this way again! Grab the net!"

...

"It's Imulda, by the way. She's my wife."

"... crap."
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=I will cut you, boy!
|author=Varic
|dateposted=13 January 2015
|postbody=Short version:
Lord VARIC Arathmor, in poor temper, is accosted in the Great Hall by Lady AILITH of Girion (played by THORALD) regarding an injury to his head. Varic refuses treatment; Ailith warns him against the consequences of festering wounds, stupidity, and the lethal mingling thereof. Varic persists in the latter (if not yet the former), until the Lady's guards have had enough of his attitude. Lady ISOBEL arrives to greet her friend, and is summarily insulted by the Arathmor regarding the station of her House. It is nothing she has not heard before.

Gossipy version:

"So what is it like," Elin asks her grown daughter Barra, "Cleaning house and emptying chamber pots for the Arathmor Suites now? Is it true when they take a dump, they dump gold?"

Barra laughs. "Turns out they dump the same as everybody else," she declares. "Nicer chamber pot, maybe. But they have problems normal people wouldn't have... just two nights ago, one of the ladies knocked into a high shelf and knocked off a box. Just the box alone must be worth more than my year's pay, the wood all gilded and inlaid with jewels! Sure enough, it clocked Lord VARIC straight in the head, cut him open and blood and whatnot all over the gold and pearls inside. If you've got so much money you come to injury on it... well there's a moral to that story somewhere, I'm certain of it."

"So that's how it happened!" Elin exclaims. "I saw him in the Great Hall and he got some funny looks for that, to be sure, but I notice he didn't speak up none about what manner of harm befell him. Me, I thought someone else must cut him, he's that obnoxious to everyone. That Girion healer, Lady AILITH, is a tough one though, she didn't take ought from him that she didn't give right back, and maybe some more besides. I can't help but think she ought to watch that tongue in front of her innocent daughter, though, I'm just saying! Lady ISOBEL Taurdain arrived and didn't seem over delighted with any of the goings on, she's a classy one." Elin seems disappointed by that, and moves back to the provider of juicier gossip, "Lady Ailith said she'd cut all sorts of words I won't repeat into Lord Varic's head if he was fool enough to let the wound fester and then come crawling to her for help."

"Is it wrong to hope the young lord's wound takes to fever, then?" Barra contemplates.

"Not at all, child," Elin reassures. "Not at all. He's got his sources of entertainment, and we've got ours!"
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Sick Servants
|author=Varic
|dateposted=14 January 2015
|postbody=Short version:
At the craftsmen's guild, Lady ORIANA Karath overhears Lord VARIC and his cousin Lady Lianna Arathmor (NPC) arguing over what to do about a sick Arathmor servant. Lady ISOBEL joins in to greet Oriana; the Karath and Taurdain women recommend the healing services of BREV or AILITH. Smack is talked about Arathmor healers, about Arathmor, and about justice; Oriana buys a gown; Isobel puts baby in a corner; Varic has no soul and his head wound disappointingly fails to fester.

Gossipy version:

"Barra," says Imelda, bouncing her baby on her hip, "I was in the craft hall today and you won't guess what I overheard. What's taken Sirya so ill that it's got two Arathmors arguing about it over a tray of gems? Wasn't she just fine when she came in from Dale?"

"She's grievous ill," Barra confirms. "Just took to it sudden-like and she gets worse and worse. Lady Lianna's fit to be tied to have her maid sick that way, wants to throw her right out, but Lord VARIC isn't having it none. He wanted Sirya to come down from Dale with the rest of them in the first place. Told Lianna she'd never find better down in the dumps of Esgaroth."

Imelda is baffled. "Why isn't it the both of them pitching her out? Not that they should, poor soul, but they're not known for kindness, are they? I overheard the ladies ISOBEL and ORIANA in the craft hall too, good ladies both -- I do wish that Oriana would find a husband, it's unseemly. Oh, maybe she was buying a new gown there at the hall to impress a new suitor? It did look to have a low neckline, that will turn heads to be sure. It better not turn MY husband's though, I'm just saying. And she almost forgot to pay for it, so perhaps her head is in the clouds, thinking of some husband to be? Hmm! Oh... where was I..."

"Lady Isobel and Oriana said something to the Arathmor?" Barra prompts.

"Oh yes, they said that lord Varic take the girl to BREV or Lady AILITH for healing," Imelda continues. "That Brev is probably too busy minding his Lady's child... but I sure would like to see the Arathmor pup deal with either one of them, to be sure. They would take him down a few notches and no mistake! Lady Isobel said Varic would have to wear a fool's hat, after AIlith got done carving words into his head for payment! But isn't that something? For a lord of Arathmor to farm out someone from under his roof to other healers, threatening to dump the Arathmor healers in the lake for failing, even coming to a Girion of all people! What makes a servant, even a pretty one like Sirya, worth that to a lord?"

Barra rolls her eyes. "Oh, Imelda. Yes, a lord is so interested in his cousin's welfare that he's got an opinion on which maid she brings, and is then so caring of the maid herself that he's willing to bring her to his enemies' doorstep that she might be cured of her ills. And it's an Arathmor, no less, who's suddenly taken with all this care. Yes, why indeed? Think about it for a while, it'll come to you."
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Hell Hath No Fury
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=21 January 2015
|postbody=
Did you see, that VARIC fellow, that Arathmor, was about looking for money. Isn't that just their way! And he scurried off quick I'm betting he got a good deal elsewhere and had to go get it. Gold in his eyes, and steel in his heart. Pity he couldn't buy himself some looks!

What really got my attention was the lady ORIANA, she was talking to BREV. I only got close enough to hear a little bit, and if you ask me, what I heard was interesting, and what I saw too! Seems the Steward was in such a fury her eyes could burn down a town - not this one, don't need that again! And Brev was trying to calm her down. I think I heard them talking about someone being pregnant, and her brother. Now I reckon her brother isn't the one pregnant, but maybe he got some girl knocked up! They kept looking at the Fishtale and we all know what sort of seedy people linger there.

At the end of it though they both walked away, both on a cooler note. But Brev went to the underdecks, I wonder -why-. Ah well, I guess we'll need to keep our ears open. Maybe there will be a new Karath heir!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Librarian Knows
|author=Thorald
|dateposted=23 January 2015
|postbody=
"Oy, Bran. Sorry about the other time... I didnae know she was your wife!"

"Hrmph."

"Come on, now. Lets be friends now. I never forget now! Imulda, yes?"

"Alright, Piggy.."

"I heard another news. I mean, I wasn't quite there but we can trust Wilbur, right? He tells the truth! Most of the time!"

"How do you know this was the time then?"

"He said it wasn't Lord Bernar I saw with the Karath woman, ORIANA. That I was being stupid."

"Well... if he's right, he's right."

"Heeey! It was that other Karath Lordling. That... ugh, whatshisname. The one nobody knows because he's not done anything, right?"

"Most Karath have done something, y'know."

"It's the one in the Watch! The tall one!"

"Piggy... They're all tall and many Karaths are in the Esgaroth Watch."

"Aha! But not all are Lords! Well, either way, it was him because he saw the fellow come out of the town hall. And a wee bit later, the Lady Oriana followed, all red eyes and wet cheeks. Like she'd been crying! I'm tellin' ye, something's going on!"

"Right. With the Karath you don't know the name of(THORALD btw)."

"Yeah! Err... Well. I think there's something there and it'll be juicy!"

"A steak is juicy. A fruit is juicy. Gossip is just that. Gossip."

"Hmph. Aren't you the ray of sunshine today..."

"Just shut up and pick the net."

"The librarian knows. But she isn't telling!"

"Piggy!"

"Right, right... Back to work..."
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2015-01

2015-01-16T10:20:20Z

Barz:

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
|09 || ESGAROTH || [[#An Avaricious Arathmor Arrives|An Avaricious Arathmor Arrives]]
|-
|13 || ESGAROTH || [[#Of handsome hoods|Of handsome hoods]]
|-
|13 || ESGAROTH || [[#I will cut you, boy!|I will cut you, boy!]]
|-
|14 || ESGAROTH || [[#Sick Servants|Sick Servants]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=An Avaricious Arathmor Arrives
|author=Varic
|dateposted=9 January 2015
|postbody=Short version:
VARIC Arathmor arrives in town, abuses his debtors, and is instructed in the righteous path of kindness by ORIANA Karath, at whom he scoffs. THORALD Karath skulks about in a hood sort-of-shopping and later is glimpsed by ORIANA, who is surprised at the fleeting sight. Elvish is spoken; Livestock phenomena is discussed.

Gossipy version:
"I was in the market today," Imulda remarks to her neighbor Lotte, who is unimpressed. "When are you not? You're always spending money you haven't got." Unimpressed and critical.
Imulda is undeterred. "And you wouldn't believe what I saw there, would you? There's a new Arathmor arrived in town, the young Lord VARIC Arathmor of Dale."
Lotte mulls it over. "A new Arathmor? I did think I'd misplaced some coins yesterday, but probably they ended up in his pockets, somehow."
Imulda goes on. "He was having it out with some poor merchant who was fool enough to borrow money from Arathmor from a venture that went bad. All the cargo lost, and now Lord Varic is calling in the debt, that that poor man's got nothin' to show for it, all that money borrowed. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes, to be sure! But they happened along the Lady ORIANA Karath, and there's a noble with a kind heart. She is the sweetest thing, isn't she? And so talented, she was even speaking the elf language today! Why isn't she married yet? Hm! Well she tried to tell the Arathmor that kindness and charity is a better way, but she should have known better, bless her, those types will never listen. Some man in a hood was hanging around the edges of their conversation, or maybe it was just coincidence... he stepped right through the pair of them, anyhow, and Lady Oriana looked like she'd seen a ghost." (Cameo appearance by the redoubtable THORALD).
"I wonder who it could have been?" Lotte wonders.
"I don't know," Imulda admits. "Probably someone wondering why any decent girl would take so long talking to them as have never got anything nice to say."
Lotte admits to having heard some gossip already, "Is it true that he called her a two-headed sheep?"
Imulda cackles. "He might have done. Who knows what goes on in those addled minds?"

}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Of handsome hoods
|author=Thorald
|dateposted=13 January 2015
|postbody="You know that story Ines... errr... Ermessinde? Imelda? Zelda? Well, anyway, the one she spun about the Arathmor and that manly Steward of Karath?"

"Come now, Piggy, she's not really that manly. When she wears a dress, I can see the...,"

"Shut up and look busy, boss is coming!"

...

"So yes, I know who that hooded person was that stalked the... err... girly Steward of Karath."

"Reaaallly? How would you possibly know?"

"I was making deliveries on the square and heard it clearly! She said it was her brother!"

"That's very unlikely..."

"Don't hail on my march!"

"You mean, rain on your parade?"

"What parade? What are you talking about?!"

"It is the say--- ugh, nevermind. Did the stranger look like... what did they call him? Bear? Moose? Something like that."

"I don't know but they must be close because when we came back to the docks, I saw them chatting by the railing, all close and such. Hrm.. so if not her brother, it must be her man!"

"Why would Lord Gerik hide himself like that?"

"Pfft! Please, he's not her man, he's too soft!"

"He's in the army, he can't be soft, Piggy. When you're hip-deep in orcs, you gotta be tough."

"Yes well, that's what I've heard. Shh! He's coming this way again! Grab the net!"

...

"It's Imulda, by the way. She's my wife."

"... crap."
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=I will cut you, boy!
|author=Varic
|dateposted=13 January 2015
|postbody=Short version:
Lord VARIC Arathmor, in poor temper, is accosted in the Great Hall by Lady AILITH of Girion (played by THORALD) regarding an injury to his head. Varic refuses treatment; Ailith warns him against the consequences of festering wounds, stupidity, and the lethal mingling thereof. Varic persists in the latter (if not yet the former), until the Lady's guards have had enough of his attitude. Lady ISOBEL arrives to greet her friend, and is summarily insulted by the Arathmor regarding the station of her House. It is nothing she has not heard before.

Gossipy version:

"So what is it like," Elin asks her grown daughter Barra, "Cleaning house and emptying chamber pots for the Arathmor Suites now? Is it true when they take a dump, they dump gold?"

Barra laughs. "Turns out they dump the same as everybody else," she declares. "Nicer chamber pot, maybe. But they have problems normal people wouldn't have... just two nights ago, one of the ladies knocked into a high shelf and knocked off a box. Just the box alone must be worth more than my year's pay, the wood all gilded and inlaid with jewels! Sure enough, it clocked Lord VARIC straight in the head, cut him open and blood and whatnot all over the gold and pearls inside. If you've got so much money you come to injury on it... well there's a moral to that story somewhere, I'm certain of it."

"So that's how it happened!" Elin exclaims. "I saw him in the Great Hall and he got some funny looks for that, to be sure, but I notice he didn't speak up none about what manner of harm befell him. Me, I thought someone else must cut him, he's that obnoxious to everyone. That Girion healer, Lady AILITH, is a tough one though, she didn't take ought from him that she didn't give right back, and maybe some more besides. I can't help but think she ought to watch that tongue in front of her innocent daughter, though, I'm just saying! Lady ISOBEL Taurdain arrived and didn't seem over delighted with any of the goings on, she's a classy one." Elin seems disappointed by that, and moves back to the provider of juicier gossip, "Lady Ailith said she'd cut all sorts of words I won't repeat into Lord Varic's head if he was fool enough to let the wound fester and then come crawling to her for help."

"Is it wrong to hope the young lord's wound takes to fever, then?" Barra contemplates.

"Not at all, child," Elin reassures. "Not at all. He's got his sources of entertainment, and we've got ours!"
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Sick Servants
|author=Varic
|dateposted=14 January 2015
|postbody=Short version:
At the craftsmen's guild, Lady ORIANA Karath overhears Lord VARIC and his cousin Lady Lianna Arathmor (NPC) arguing over what to do about a sick Arathmor servant. Lady ISOBEL joins in to greet Oriana; the Karath and Taurdain women recommend the healing services of BREV or AILITH. Smack is talked about Arathmor healers, about Arathmor, and about justice; Oriana buys a gown; Isobel puts baby in a corner; Varic has no soul and his head wound disappointingly fails to fester.

Gossipy version:

"Barra," says Imelda, bouncing her baby on her hip, "I was in the craft hall today and you won't guess what I overheard. What's taken Sirya so ill that it's got two Arathmors arguing about it over a tray of gems? Wasn't she just fine when she came in from Dale?"

"She's grievous ill," Barra confirms. "Just took to it sudden-like and she gets worse and worse. Lady Lianna's fit to be tied to have her maid sick that way, wants to throw her right out, but Lord VARIC isn't having it none. He wanted Sirya to come down from Dale with the rest of them in the first place. Told Lianna she'd never find better down in the dumps of Esgaroth."

Imelda is baffled. "Why isn't it the both of them pitching her out? Not that they should, poor soul, but they're not known for kindness, are they? I overheard the ladies ISOBEL and ORIANA in the craft hall too, good ladies both -- I do wish that Oriana would find a husband, it's unseemly. Oh, maybe she was buying a new gown there at the hall to impress a new suitor? It did look to have a low neckline, that will turn heads to be sure. It better not turn MY husband's though, I'm just saying. And she almost forgot to pay for it, so perhaps her head is in the clouds, thinking of some husband to be? Hmm! Oh... where was I..."

"Lady Isobel and Oriana said something to the Arathmor?" Barra prompts.

"Oh yes, they said that lord Varic take the girl to BREV or Lady AILITH for healing," Imelda continues. "That Brev is probably too busy minding his Lady's child... but I sure would like to see the Arathmor pup deal with either one of them, to be sure. They would take him down a few notches and no mistake! Lady Isobel said Varic would have to wear a fool's hat, after AIlith got done carving words into his head for payment! But isn't that something? For a lord of Arathmor to farm out someone from under his roof to other healers, threatening to dump the Arathmor healers in the lake for failing, even coming to a Girion of all people! What makes a servant, even a pretty one like Sirya, worth that to a lord?"

Barra rolls her eyes. "Oh, Imelda. Yes, a lord is so interested in his cousin's welfare that he's got an opinion on which maid she brings, and is then so caring of the maid herself that he's willing to bring her to his enemies' doorstep that she might be cured of her ills. And it's an Arathmor, no less, who's suddenly taken with all this care. Yes, why indeed? Think about it for a while, it'll come to you."
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2015-01

2015-01-13T20:59:00Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
|09 || ESGAROTH || [[#An Avaricious Arathmor Arrives|An Avaricious Arathmor Arrives]]
|-
|13 || ESGAROTH || [[#Of handsome hoods|Of handsome hoods]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=An Avaricious Arathmor Arrives
|author=Varic
|dateposted=9 January 2015
|postbody=Short version:
VARIC Arathmor arrives in town, abuses his debtors, and is instructed in the righteous path of kindness by ORIANA Karath, at whom he scoffs. THORALD Karath skulks about in a hood sort-of-shopping and later is glimpsed by ORIANA, who is surprised at the fleeting sight. Elvish is spoken; Livestock phenomena is discussed.

Gossipy version:
"I was in the market today," Imulda remarks to her neighbor Lotte, who is unimpressed. "When are you not? You're always spending money you haven't got." Unimpressed and critical.
Imulda is undeterred. "And you wouldn't believe what I saw there, would you? There's a new Arathmor arrived in town, the young Lord VARIC Arathmor of Dale."
Lotte mulls it over. "A new Arathmor? I did think I'd misplaced some coins yesterday, but probably they ended up in his pockets, somehow."
Imulda goes on. "He was having it out with some poor merchant who was fool enough to borrow money from Arathmor from a venture that went bad. All the cargo lost, and now Lord Varic is calling in the debt, that that poor man's got nothin' to show for it, all that money borrowed. I wouldn't want to be in his shoes, to be sure! But they happened along the Lady ORIANA Karath, and there's a noble with a kind heart. She is the sweetest thing, isn't she? And so talented, she was even speaking the elf language today! Why isn't she married yet? Hm! Well she tried to tell the Arathmor that kindness and charity is a better way, but she should have known better, bless her, those types will never listen. Some man in a hood was hanging around the edges of their conversation, or maybe it was just coincidence... he stepped right through the pair of them, anyhow, and Lady Oriana looked like she'd seen a ghost." (Cameo appearance by the redoubtable THORALD).
"I wonder who it could have been?" Lotte wonders.
"I don't know," Imulda admits. "Probably someone wondering why any decent girl would take so long talking to them as have never got anything nice to say."
Lotte admits to having heard some gossip already, "Is it true that he called her a two-headed sheep?"
Imulda cackles. "He might have done. Who knows what goes on in those addled minds?"

}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Of handsome hoods
|author=Thorald
|dateposted=13 January 2015
|postbody="You know that story Ines... errr... Ermessinde? Imelda? Zelda? Well, anyway, the one she spun about the Arathmor and that manly Steward of Karath?"

"Come now, Piggy, she's not really that manly. When she wears a dress, I can see the...,"

"Shut up and look busy, boss is coming!"

...

"So yes, I know who that hooded person was that stalked the... err... girly Steward of Karath."

"Reaaallly? How would you possibly know?"

"I was making deliveries on the square and heard it clearly! She said it was her brother!"

"That's very unlikely..."

"Don't hail on my march!"

"You mean, rain on your parade?"

"What parade? What are you talking about?!"

"It is the say--- ugh, nevermind. Did the stranger look like... what did they call him? Bear? Moose? Something like that."

"I don't know but they must be close because when we came back to the docks, I saw them chatting by the railing, all close and such. Hrm.. so if not her brother, it must be her man!"

"Why would Lord Gerik hide himself like that?"

"Pfft! Please, he's not her man, he's too soft!"

"He's in the army, he can't be soft, Piggy. When you're hip-deep in orcs, you gotta be tough."

"Yes well, that's what I've heard. Shh! He's coming this way again! Grab the net!"

...

"It's Imulda, by the way. She's my wife."

"... crap."
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

2014-11-21T17:10:54Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 08 || ESGAROTH || [[#Cross talk|Cross talk]]
|-
| 14 || ESGAROTH || [[#Sound advice?|Sound advice?]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Cross talk
|author=Brev
|dateposted=08 November 2013
|postbody=With the warmer evenings, you often see quite a crowd outside the Flagon. Needless to say, the odd quarrel breaks out. Usually it's two young bucks, though, while the other night ...

That girl LOUSE was hanging around, picking up food that'd been left on unattended plates. Lady ISOBEL noticed and made a beeline for her -but not too reproach her for stealing, no. Rather she wanted to know what Louse had been doing with herself and why she'd not been visiting Taurdain Suites. I didn't hear what the girl said in response, but next thing the pair of them were at it like squabbling pigeons! Accusations of slavery and comments about an 'ungrateful wretch' (no prizes for guessing who that was!) mingled with talk of pigs and butchery. Louse stormed off in high dudgeon as Isobel retreated indoors.

I'll wager there'll be a few regrets come morning. Why would Louse bite the hand that feeds her? Has she found a better source of income? And does Lady Isobel really have a tongue like a fishwife? I'd speak to one or other of them and find out.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Sound advice?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=14 November 2013
|postbody=That young boatbuilder RIOLAN came by Taurdain Suites the other day asking after BREV. What exactly he wanted I don't know, for Brev caught up with him on the doorstep and they traipsed off together, talking as they went and keeping their voices down low, more's the pity. I did hear Riolan say something about needing advice, but he denied it was a business matter. Wonder what that young Karath buck's gone and done now! Something that would rile his Da? I'd swear Brev looked distinctly uncomfortable ...
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-10

2014-11-21T16:54:55Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 07 || ESGAROTH || [[#Daggers drawn|Daggers drawn]]
|-
| 31 || ESGAROTH || [[#Keep it under your hat!|Keep it under your hat!]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Daggers drawn
|author=Brev
|dateposted=07 October 2013
|postbody=Who do you think was found was sneaking round the Training Yard at the dead of night in the freezing cold? I'll tell you who: it was young LOUSE with a dagger in her hand, looking rather frayed round the edges. Something else was frayed too - Sergeant LOREN's temper. He went out to confront the interloper with sword at the ready!

Fortunately there was no blood shed on the cobbles. Don't know what that pair said to each other but next time I glanced out, Loren was teaching that young vagabond the dagger. Must say, I didn't know he had it in him. Our upstanding sergeant is full of surprises! Do you reckon he has a deep dark past as a cut-throat?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Keep it under your hat!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=31 October 2013
|postbody=The other evening, yon minstrel DELLING was in the Fishtale - not playing for his keep as you'd expect (hmm, reckon he's come into the money?). No, he was lounging round looking bored. Someone must've thought he was looking a little too comfortable, for next thing young LOUSE was hanging round bothering him. She's looking a little thin these days, I must say. Still, she seemed cheerful enough and eager to show off her new cap, some fancy velvet number with a swan's feather stuck in it. Such airs and graces!

What she and Delling said to each other I didn't hear, but next thing that young varmint was walking away cool as a cucumber, wearing Delling's hat! And she left him hers, too (though if the man has any sense he won't have let it near his head. We all know that girl is crawling with vermin - ugh!). Wonder what that was all about? Master Delling's not one to give something for nothing, I know that much. /Very/ fishy.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-09

2014-11-21T16:51:46Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 03 || ESGAROTH || [[#Of furs and fountains|Of furs and fountains]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#Letter delivery service|Letter delivery service]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#The reluctant skirt-wearer|The reluctant skirt-wearer]]
|-
| 17 || ESGAROTH || [[#Careless rendez-vous|Careless rendez-vous]]
|-
| 18 || ESGAROTH || [[#Into the mouths of babes|Into the mouths of babes]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#Watcher on the Wharf|Watcher on the Wharf]]
|-
| 25 || ESGAROTH || [[#Yule celebrations|Yule celebrations]]
|-
| 25 || ESGAROTH || [[#Look what the storm blew in!|Look what the storm blew in!]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Of furs and fountains
|author=Brev
|dateposted=03 September 2013
|postbody=Lady ISOBEL seems to have emerged from seclusion - yesterday evening I saw her sitting by the fountain in Taurdain Suites showing off her new arrival to a group of children. Someone else who was showing off was her uncle DARIK (really, shouldn't a grown man know better?), who was engaging one of the Taurdain lads in a mock battle and enjoying every minute of it judging by his grin, which didn't leave his face even when he was playing dead. It's a mercy he didn't knock Lady Isobel and her darling daughter into the fountain (I seem to recall her making a pointed remark to that effect, too. Is it just me, or is she getting more like her mother?)

Also come to admire the baby was BREV's hunter friend GIDON. He told Lady Isobel very prettily that her daughter was beautiful (his choice of words set me wondering if perhaps a /little/ prompting was involved) but almost had a fit when she generously offered to let him hold the babe. Brev was after some furs for a coverlet for the little one, but seemed to think rabbit wouldn't go down too well. Gidon's protestations that rabbit fur was much the softest clearly carried weight with Lady Isobel, for she agreed to the suggestion, pointing out that little Dara looks nothing like a rabbit (and I won't tell you what my husband said when he heard that!) Darik's suggestion of a bearskin was brushed aside and so the elder Taurdain went hunting for the produce of the kitchens instead, leaving the two younger men in peace to discuss many things ... but oddly not rabbits.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Letter delivery service
|author=Brev
|dateposted=12 September 2013
|postbody=It's funny what sort of folks you see abroad on the street late at night. No, you dunderhead, not /that/ sort of folk! I was on my way back from the Flagon and took a wander past the Elven embassy. Well, we all knew Elves like starlight and this pair must be no exception (not that you could see many stars in all that cloud, come to think of it. Fine, lantern-light then). Master HARUVEN was instructing his young assistant, that pretty blonde elf-lass, in something or other - all I could catch before she left were the words 'No dice, and no rooster statue'! What do you make of that?

Then Master BREV appeared in the door of Taurdain Suites and started looking mighty uncomfortable. Not just because his little bundle of joy had just spewed on him; no, if you ask me it was the sight of the Elven diplomat that did it. The carpenter was mumbling something about a letter: judging by the state it was in when he finally produced it, he'd forgotten to deliver it. Of course, the Elf was far too polite to mention it and spoke quite charmingly to the baby too. Mind you, in that silvered tongue the Elves use, even swear-words probably sound charming ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The reluctant skirt-wearer
|author=Brev
|dateposted=12 September 2013
|postbody=I must say, I didn't think much of Lady ORIANA taking that ragamuffin LOUSE into House Karath as her 'Aide' (as if an intelligent woman like our Steward needs that sort of help!). Still, at least it gives me a good chuckle sometimes, seeing that young tearaway forced into skirts and sitting reading histories. Trust me, the girl doesn't like it one bit. You should see the thundercloud face on her!

Speaking of thunderclouds, it was pouring rain when Lady Oriana got in the other night. I heard her tell Louse she'd been training the men, and would you believe it, that child actually questioned her! The Lady took it in good part though: she explained gently that yes, it is possible to fight in skirts (of course, Louse wanted to learn!) and that old histories, boring or not, are worth reading. I'm not sure Louse took the point, she kept wittering on about some old King with a silly name (something about a weak bladder? Beats me.) Next thing the conversation had turned to swearing - no surprise that Decks spawn knows a few filthy names. But did I really hear Lady Oriana promise to teach her to swear in Elvish?

No Elvish names came out, however, for Louse made the mistake of asking if Oriana had a sweetheart in Arathmor (where /does/ the girl get such ideas?) The Lady turned pale and I'd have sworn she looked angered, though I did notice her eyes watering. Odd - I mean, none of us likes House Arathmor, but to have a reaction /that/ forceful ... Do you think Lady Oriana knows something she's not telling? I'd keep my eyes and ears open.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Careless rendez-vous
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=17 September 2013
|postbody=Poor LOUSE! (played by BREV) Much as that impertinent girl gets on my nerves (specially now that she's swanning around in them Karath clothes, acting all uppity) I still feel for her - the other night she had the misfortune of ducking into a doorway where that nasty minstrel DELLING (played by ISOBEL) was hard at work with some lass.. I happened to be passing after the day's toil and I saw the woman walk off in a huff. Well, she was no better than she ought to be, mark my words. I can't for the life of my fathom why young Louse stuck around to bandy words with /him/ though. Oh, he likes to think he's a wit, but between you and me - isn't he becoming a bit, well.. dull? Suppose that's what happens to some when they settle down.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Into the mouths of babes
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=18 September 2013
|postbody=... you should put honey. At least if you ask NIAMH of Taurdain (played by ISOBEL). The other day when she came home from running some errands she ran into BREV and with him he had his daughter. Y'know, I've seen him carrying her around a bit more often lately - I reckon that for all his grumbling he must enjoy it. Not sure why any sane man would risk such caterwauling, but then again, he is foreign..

Anyroad, he must've been tired of it right then because I think he offered her to Lady Niamh more than once before she snapped the babe up, taking her off to the kitchen for some sweet treats. Where Brev was off to after that? I've no idea, he didn't care to share.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Watcher on the Wharf
|author=Brev
|dateposted=22 September 2013
|postbody=What brought Lady ISOBEL to Fisher's Wharf early in the morning I can't imagine. Doesn't she have better things to do ... like looking after that baby of hers? The poor mite was nowhere in evidence! Anyway, she was loitering around like she had nowhere to go - didn't she know that's asking for trouble? I saw old Harald coming up to her and asking for money: claimed she should pay him a 'viewing fee'. Quite persistent he was too, but then BREV emerged from the Underdecks and broke up the party, countering requests for Taurdain charity with a claim of his own that charity consisted of not breaking the fingers of someone who'd laid a hand on his wife. How barbaric!

Have to say, I reckon Harald had a point. Aren't House Taurdain /supposed/ to throw their money around if you suck your cheeks in and look hard-done-by? Has 'the charitable House' lost its tender heart?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Yule celebrations
|author=Brev
|dateposted=25 September 2013
|postbody=Don't know when we last had such a stormy Yule! I heard the Yule bonfire would barely stay alight ... me, I was just glad to stay indoors and toast the new year somewhere warm. Still, it didn't stop Laketown from celebrating. The evening after, the Taurdains had a big gathering at their place - half the town was invited, from the looks of things! Crafters and commoners as well as the bluebloods. Fortunately there was plenty of food and drink to go round.

Even the more reserved nobles seemed to be enjoying themselves - though I did think Lady ISOBEL looked a little worried. I heard her asking her husband she wondered whether someone might steal the baby. What a daft notion: as if anyone would /want/ something that screams that loud! Even BREV made some remark to that effect, though he put it a bit more politely. She can't have been entirely reassured, however, for a little later Brev slipped upstairs to check on the infant, while his wife ... hmm, you know I can't recall seeing her after that. Still, I'm sure she had a pleasant evening.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Look what the storm blew in!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=25 September 2013
|postbody=The dead of winter is hardly the best time for journeying - but that hasn't stopped some. You'll never guess who turned up at Karath Manor the other night, on the wings of the storm. No, it wasn't Lord Bernar, though I'd not put it past him. It was Lady ORIANA's mother, the Lady Evanna, and what she thought she was doing I don't know. I can tell you, she's not in the prime of life any more. Oriana seemed quite shocked; seemingly they'd already arranged a visit for the spring. However, she called for a servant to draw a bath and see to making the visitor comfortable. Funny thing, as she was led away I'd swear I heard Lady Evanna muttering something about wolves. There haven't been any of those round the Dale-lands for a while ... have there?

Lady ISOBEL arrived next, presumably to see Oriana. She might have turned round and walked out again, however, if it hadn't been for the entrance of young LOUSE in such a disreputable state: she'd gone out without a cloak and her Karath livery was ruined. Not to mention the fact that she'd hiked her skirts up past the knee and you could see the holes in her stockings. Both noblewomen had a bit to say about that, and Oriana ordered the girl to take a bath too. Her sharpness was lost on the young reprobate: Louse was far too horrified at the idea /she/ might be required to share a bath with an elderly noblewoman. She slunk off then; Oriana had to send a servant after with her orders.

After all the kerfuffle, it's little wonder that Lady Isobel didn't stay long. Whether she had any purpose for coming other than friendly chatter I don't know - both women seemed rather subdued. Lady Oriana did promise to visit her friend in the Suites soon, likely she's expected to coo over the baby.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-08

2014-11-21T16:36:50Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 01 || ESGAROTH || [[#Mine's faster than yours|Mine's faster than yours]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#Lanterns & Ghosts|Lanterns & Ghosts]]
|-
| 14 || ESGAROTH || [[#Funny looks|Funny looks]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#Behind the beard|Behind the beard]]
|-
| 27 || ESGAROTH || [[#Suspicious errand?|Suspicious errand?]]
|-
| 28 || ESGAROTH || [[#Talk by the Rooster|Talk by the Rooster]]
|-
| 28 || ESGAROTH || [[#The ever-increasing House|The ever-increasing House]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Mine's faster than yours
|author=Brev
|dateposted=01 August 2013
|postbody=Did you know Master BREV's back in town? I saw him trying to sneak in unnoticed yesterday evening, no doubt hoping noone had seen the state of his garments. What had he been doing, rolling in mud? He stopped to talk to young Master RIOLAN, so I took a good long look.

Instead of talking about the tricks of their trade, carpenter and boatbuilder struck up a conversation about ... horses? Seems that Master RIOLAN has a rare contempt for the local beasts. He was waxing lyrical about the superiority and swiftness of Easterling mounts - what, doesn't he know that the best stock in the land comes from the Karath stables? At least, that's what they say. If you ask me, he's a disgrace to his House! Brev argued back for the merits of that shaggy furball that he calls a pony, but who'd listen to him? I've heard the foreigner still has trouble keeping his seat ... hmm, where /did/ that mud come from?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Lanterns & Ghosts
|author=Kanyaria
|dateposted=12 August 2013
|postbody=The Centre of Merchant's way was uncharacteristically dark last night, even at such a late hour. Most of the town was snuggled into their beds but a ruckus was a foot out in the street. That Greenshirt LOUSE (played by Brev) was having a time of it trying to get a latern down off a hook that had burned out. Seems she couldn't quite reach it, though.

Especially with all that thudding coming from down the road. It was like someone beating against the bottom of the planks! Well, of course, that couldn't be anyone other than little SIAN (played by Kanyaria). He stopped to find out what all the noise was and that's when he found Louse trying to reach the latern. He made a point of telling her how great a job she was doing (or not) and it sounded like she told him it might've been easier if he wasn't trying to wake the dead.

Poor Sian took the girl serious, too. That lower lip started quivering just /thinking/ about a ghost coming in to scoop him up and drag him to their world. Louse evenually had to promise to walk the boy home but only if he helped her get the latern down first.

Louse went to pick the boy up to get the latern down but it seems he's been stealing more of those sticky bun things he likes from the bakery. He's not as little as he use to be! But he was able to get the latern down and Louse didn't drop him, as he feared.

She set him down on the street and was going to go get the latern relit and then walk him home but as she reached for it, Sian dropped it and broke it. While he was crying, Louse took off down the street and away from any of the Watch that might appear and Sian suddenly realizing he was alone with the ghosts took off after her. Think anyone will suspect those two?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Funny looks
|author=Brev
|dateposted=14 August 2013
|postbody=We all know Master BREV is fond of his wife, but did he really need to block the traffic by stopping in the street with a cartload of wood just so he could pass the time of day with her? That poor prentice of his, Ottar, was hard-pressed to keep the cart rolling back down Cargo Lane. Just as well GIDON (you know, that skulking hunter fellow who hangs around Master Brev sometimes) was nearby, he lent a hand with the ropes.

Funny, Gidon didn't look best pleased to see his friend and his lady. In fact, I'd have sworn he was trying to avoid them - he wouldn't look at Lady ISOBEL at all! And she's not easy to miss, now that there's *ahem* twice as much of her. It was very strange. You don't think he's ... well, jealous?

}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Behind the beard
|author=Brev
|dateposted=23 August 2013
|postbody=Did you see that stranger with the overgrown beard in the Market Square the other evening? Huh? What do you mean, you were watching Master GAVVING Tull? What was he doing that was so special? Sneaking around in alleys, hmm? I'm sure he just went to relieve himself, that's hardly news.No, of course I don't think he could have had blood on his hands. Your imagination's always running away with you!

Anyway, the stranger. Surprised you didn't notice him, he had a beard that would have done a Dwarf proud! Hardly the current fashion, reckon he harks back to an older generation. He was standing staring into the Market Pool, muttering something about it having grown smaller. Master BREV was nearby, he'd been talking to young RIOLAN Karath, so he exchanged a few words with the man. Turned out the fellow was a Taurdain and brother to Lady Niamh - DARIK I think he said his name was. Not your average Taurdain, mind, I caught a glimpse of a mail shirt under his cloak. Wonder what's brought him back to Esgaroth now? Is he planning to use that fancy sword? And what does he make of his niece marrying a foreigner and a commoner to boot? I've heard they gave the carpenter a title; no doubt they're hoping to sweep those humble origins under the carpet. We'll see ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Suspicious errand?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=27 August 2013
|postbody=Those High-Ups are always poking their nose into Decks business when they're not wanted, it's hard for a fellow to find any peace! Take that Underdecks Infirmary of theirs - I'm telling you, /I/ wouldn't go near that place for love nor money. The other night I saw a hooded figure banging on the door, shouting something about 'Open up in the name of the Watch!" Next thing, there was this scream, sounded like someone was being tortured! And a lot of argy-bargy. Took their sweet time about opening up, those healers did - looked mighty suspicious to me. When the door /did/ finally open, I could see it was that Brev fellow on duty. You know what they say about him ...

Anyway, the Watchman (if it was a Watchman, I sure couldn't see anything under that hood, though I do wonder if that blot round his mouth was a moustache (*cough* LOREN)) came out again right quick and headed up top. Soon after that another healer arrived; no sooner was she in the door than Brev took off like there was a dragon singeing his backside. Looked mighty odd to me. You don't think he's in trouble with the Law? You'd think Taurdain would hush stuff like that up.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Talk by the Rooster
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=28 August 2013
|postbody=Eve came with the cool touch of fall. And by that giant rooster statue that looms by the Arathmor estate a group gathered. LOUSE (Played by Brev) scolded and chased away some kids, is it me or is the girl finally growing up? That weird Taurdain man DARIK was there too, wonder what he was doing out and about alone! And to say, ORIANA was doing much the same! Suspicious! Or maybe they have no lives..

Either way, they talked for a bit, Darik gave Louse some needed advice, and then left. But it was Lady Oriana that I overhead asked Louse to be her aid! Who would -dare- take on that wild child?! No one ever doubts a Karath their bravery but maybe right now their smarts is in question. The girl accepted, but I bet you, it wont be a easy job!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The ever-increasing House
|author=Brev
|dateposted=28 August 2013
|postbody=I declare, House Taurdain's bursting at the seams these days! First it was Lady ARLA and her husband LOREN's second child, young Kaelan. Then Lady Niamh's brother DARIK turns up after swanning round the borders for goodness knows how many years. Just what business a respectable Taurdain has joining the King's Men I don't know!

Now Lady ISOBEL's given birth - to a daughter, after her telling all and sundry she was convinced the baby was a boy. Just goes to show those scholars don't know everything! The babe seems healthy enough - I heard it crying - and we're told Lady Isobel is well too, though they have her cloistered away 'to regain her strength'. The rest of us should be so lucky! My poor sister was up and tending to her other weans within a day .... but I suppose those nobles live in their own little world.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-07

2014-11-21T16:26:42Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 01 || ESGAROTH || [[#Let's talk|Let's talk]]
|-
| 01 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Pipsqueak and the Dwarf|The Pipsqueak and the Dwarf]]
|-
| 03 || ESGAROTH || [[#Bursting at the seams|Bursting at the seams]]
|-
| 04 || ESGAROTH || [[#What Not to Wear|What Not to Wear]]
|-
| 07 || ESGAROTH || [[#Two Karaths and a Dwarf|Two Karaths and a Dwarf]]
|-
| 07 || ESGAROTH || [[#Public Displays of Affection..|Public Displays of Affection..]]
|-
| 07 || ESGAROTH || [[#Hawks and Healers|Hawks and Healers]]
|-
| 28 || ESGAROTH || [[#A cure for all ills!|A cure for all ills!]]
|-
| 31 || ESGAROTH || [[#Doom and Gloom|Doom and Gloom]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Let's talk
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=01 July 2013
|postbody=So it seems the tavern was rather dull last night. That cold strong wind kept everyone away. A dwarf, ugh what was his name? Came around and didn't much think of it, he -is- a dwarf, they seem to put themselves throught anything for a good cup of ale. It was that Lady Oriana that I had seen talking to someone, was his name Earl, Steve... Adom maybe? Hard to say I didn't hear to much, only saw them talk for a bit and then he left. Man even the rumours seem dull or maybe I just failed to overhear something..
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Pipsqueak and the Dwarf
|author=Brev
|dateposted=01 July 2013
|postbody=Wonder if that Dwarf who was in the tavern with Lady Oriana and the other fellow was the same one I saw young LOUSE spitting apple pips at? Me, I'd have thrashed that slippery little weasel for her impudence, but he seemed more interested in finding out where she'd got the apple from. And it seems that Louse was feeling generous, for when she saw the woebegone whiskers on him she offered him her last bite. Thankfully the Dwarf had more sense than to touch it (who knows what diseases those Decks rats carry?) but next thing he was giving her a gold link from his belt! At least, it glinted like gold, though maybe it was just brass.

Didn't catch the Dwarf's name, sounded like a sneeze (could it have been AGARHAZ?). Funny thing, old Garric who used to be a King's Man swore that particular Dwarf looked familiar, said that face put him in mind of long ago. Me, I reckon Dwarves all look the same. It's the beards, you know.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Bursting at the seams
|author=Brev
|dateposted=03 July 2013
|postbody=Sometimes I can't get over the cheek of that young good-for-nothing LOUSE! The other afternoon she and that white dog of Lady Arla's, Conal, came bursting into the Suites like a whirlwind, and next thing Louse had tossed the dog's ball into the library. My, Lady ISOBEL had a few pointed words to say about that. Good on her, that's what I say! I always reckoned Lady Arla was too soft on the brat. Can't see that it did much good, though - when Louse emerged from the library a little later she didn't look in the least chastened.

By that time Lady Isobel had another visitor: Mistress MORGAINE the seamstress (who from the snippets I heard was making much of that mutt Conal). Hard on her heels was another, Master BREV. He seemed to think Morgaine's services were required - seeing as I was doing the dusting in the hall at the time I couldn't help overhearing the odd word. Something about Isobel needing new clothes over the summer? As if a noblewoman doesn't have a wardrobeful of gowns to choose from! But far from reprimanding him, Lady Isobel agreed that it was a necessity if she were to leave her chamber this year and made some remark about not fitting into her husband's clothes long either? Though I doubt we'd ever see a blueblood like her in someone else's cast-offs. Morgaine even offered to come to the Suites, as fittings might soon be uncomfortable. You don't think the Heir of Taurdain is expecting? She's certainly kept that quiet - though come to think of it, I haven't seen her out without a cloak in a while, and you know how hot it's getting now spring is here!

Master Brev came out then, and shut the door tight behind him, more's the pity, so what the two ladies discussed after he'd gone I can't say.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=What Not to Wear
|author=Haruven
|dateposted=04 July 2013
|postbody=How long can an elf just sit there and read? Well, HARUVEN was in the library all day, I thought I'd have to eventually dust around him if no one came to kick him out. Lady ISOBEL eventually showed up to show him the door, though she was nice about it being the library's closing time. Say, don't you think she's looking a little thick around the middle? LOUSE certainly thought so when she showed up, and wouldn't you believe she wasn't shy about saying it! She wanted one of the lady's dresses to cut down and make into shirts, since Louse herself has been in clothing denial for a while now!

I thought Lady Isobel looked ready to spit fire at that Louse, but the elf was still there pretending that he couldn't understand common speech and that the books were just that fascinating, so Louse didn't get charred like she might have if she and the Taurdain lady were alone. Before Louse left they worked something out with spare shirts.

Somehow the other two got to talking about scholarly nonsense, and how can Isobel call herself a scholar if she can't read fancy elf-books? The diplomat taught her a couple of Elvish phrases right there on the spot, but sounds like she messed 'em up a bit and called him a woman. Oh well. Long hair and fancy clothes, who can tell with Elves, anyway?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Two Karaths and a Dwarf
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=07 July 2013
|postbody=Did you know that Master RIORDAN is back in town again? I guess that lad of his, young RIOLAN (played by ISOBEL), must be sore glad to see him again. I live just around the corner from them, see, and it seems to me that the boy gets more antsy than usual whenever his old man is away! Anyway, I saw the old dog and his pup chatting up a storm with a dwarf in the Flagon and the little beardling was saying all manner of strange things - something about perhaps getting back what he was owed, but then again maybe not.. AGARHAZ, I think he said his name was. He had a long list of names he was rattling off, y'know how it is. Son of this who's a son of that and so on and so forth!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Public Displays of Affection..
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=07 July 2013
|postbody=I say, I think someone really ought to tell Lady ISOBEL and her husband that however much they like one another we certainly don't like having to see them hugging and carrying on in the street like that! Don't they have a home to do that sort of thing in?

- Oh tosh, for my part I think it's rather sweet the way the two seem to dote on each other. And don't you think it's made Master BREV just a little less grumpy? Why, the other day he smiled when he passed me in the street and I said good morning! And now that his lady has someone to boss around she's going easier on the rest of us and if that's not improvement then I don't know what is.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Hawks and Healers
|author=Haruven
|dateposted=07 July 2013
|postbody=My son Tad was out fishing this morning and wouldn't you know it but a great big hawk tried to take the fish right off his line! It got a surprise to be sure when the line snapped and it was speared right through with the fish hook, all flappin' around and carrying on fit to wake the dead. The oddest thing happened a short while after! That Elf diplomat HARUVEN spotted that unlucky creature, and talked to it and it came right to him, calm as you like! I think there's something unnatural about those folk and I don't mind saying it, but my neighbor's wife said as it was probably just someone's tame hunting hawk as had got away at some point.

Well I thought that was the end of it but that good for nothing laundress from down the lane swears up and down she saw the elf and Master BREV later in the healing hall, the elf tending to the bird's wounds just like it was a person. Don't know what Master Brev thought of that, but he had a smirk or two like he thought it all might be just this side of ridiculous! They talked about healing some after, and then Brev went off to take care of some business before going back home to tend that lady wife of his. You know he smiles when he talks about her? I think it's just darling.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A cure for all ills!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=28 July 2013
|postbody=The other afternoon, when it was too hot to be doing anything in a hurry, I saw that Green shirt girl LOUSE approaching that silent hunter fellow -GIDON, is it? Being as I was near, I couldn't help but overhear a bit. Seems that young nuisance was after pigskin (not sure I want to know why!) and Gidon hadn't got enough just yet. They agreed on collection at a later date.

At that point the Elven diplomat HARUVEN joined them. He might have regretted it, for when he asked Louse to tell him something he didn't know the girl launched into a hangover cure involving fat bacon, a piece of string and ... well, I won't go into the details. Suffice to say that Gidon fled the scene at that point. Clearly he couldn't stomach the idea (surely his abrupt departure had nothing to do with the news, tossed in in passing, that Lady Isobel is expecting?). Haruven managed to maintain both his dignity and a straight face, but I did notice that he left soon after too. Wouldn't you?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Doom and Gloom
|author=Brev
|dateposted=31 July 2013
|postbody=That Elf HARUVEN's a rum one. The other night he was sitting in the Flagon with a carafe of wine and a candle on the table, but was he happy? No, there he was wearing a long face as he read a letter. Not, as that young rapscallion LOUSE suggested, because he was waiting for a lady-friend who'd failed to show, but something about the world growing darker and not everyone being in agreement about it. Wonder what news had him so concerned? Perhaps someone should ask him about it ...

At least the diplomat knows how to deal with Louse. A half-glass of wine and a barrage of questions about her soldiering ambitions later, she was only too glad to make her (slightly unsteady) escape.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-06

2014-11-21T16:17:28Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 02 || ESGAROTH || [[#Several Sorrowful Sindarin Speakers Seem Somewhat Sober|Several Sorrowful Sindarin Speakers Seem Somewhat Sober]]
|-
| 02 || ESGAROTH || [[#Grim tidings|Grim tidings]]
|-
| 07 || ESGAROTH || [[#Furry suspicious|Furry suspicious]]
|-
| 11 || ESGAROTH || [[#Temper, temper|Temper, temper]]
|-
| 11 || ESGAROTH || [[#Asleep in the hay?|Asleep in the hay?]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#A Threat in the North|A Threat in the North]]
|-
| 13 || ESGAROTH || [[#Late Night in Town Hall|Late Night in Town Hall]]
|-
| 19 || ESGAROTH || [[#Knock on wood|Knock on wood]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#A budding scholar?|A budding scholar?]]
|-
| 28 || ESGAROTH || [[#Shaky moorings?|Shaky moorings?]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Several Sorrowful Sindarin Speakers Seem Somewhat Sober
|author=Haruven
|dateposted=02 June 2013
|postbody=The winter cold drove me inside the Fiery Flagon last night... I tell you true, chilly as it was outside, I had to stop on my way home to warm up with some whisky else I'd freeze to death! That's what I told my wife, anyroad! We were all packed in there like fish in a barrel having a grand time, but it wasn't just men gathered in the Inn. There was a table of four elves, too -- I recognized the diplomat HARUVEN but the leader of the group was a wise-looking fellow less known to me. Sometimes elves are a merry lot -- have you seen how much wine they can put away, of an evening?! -- but not this time. They had a grim aspect about them as they listened to their leader (DIGOLAN), but it was all in some kind of Elvish and I couldn't make heads or tails of it! There were some big Elvish books on the table, and for a moment I wondered what sorrow they might have uncovered in their tomes... but then that new barmaid from Iach Celduin came by, and I figured the Elves can mind their own affairs!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Grim tidings
|author=Haruven
|dateposted=02 June 2013
|postbody=Did you find your way to the banquet at the Elven Embassy last night? Say what you will about the forest folk, they know how to lay down a decent spread. Here's the strangest news though -- who would you expect might be the last person to walk through that Embassy's doors? And yet GLOIN son of Groin turned up sure enough, along with two retainers, for all that he looked none too pleased to be there.

He asked for a representative of the Elvenking, and the diplomat HARUVEN came forward. The dwarf was a little short with him (ha, ha...) but courteous enough, and all us onlookers were disappointed to find their business conducted behind closed doors. Later though, I overheard Haruven speaking to one of the other Elves -- something about sending scouts to investigate a danger in the north. Did the dwarf bring news of this danger? What could be going on which is dire enough to make Erebor and Amon Thranduil cooperate with such a minimum of complaint and reference to past misdeeds?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Furry suspicious
|author=Brev
|dateposted=07 June 2013
|postbody=I've seen that young hunter fellow GIDON (Tobbit) round town a few times lately, he must be selling his stock between trips. You know who I mean, the foreign lad who never speaks. Only - get this - he /was/ speaking. And to LOUSE, of all people! Quite what they were saying I don't know, Louse came over all furtive and started muttering (and lets face it, that Decks girl's hard to understand at the best of times!) but, rather than turning crimson and backing away, Gidon started answering - in full sentences too. Why, not even Master BREV and Lady ISOBEL can achieve that, judging by the other day (how I laughed to see Gidon's one-word answers cause confusion in our erudite Taurdain scholar! Almost as good as a puppet show, it is!)

Anyway, like I said, Louse. Soon she and Gidon were chatting away like old friends (huh, who'd want to be friends with a Decks rat?). Next thing I saw them shake hands on something. I'd keep an eye on that pair if I were you, it must mean Trouble!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Temper, temper
|author=Brev
|dateposted=11 June 2013
|postbody=Do you think that Master BREV has been a bit .. well, erratic of late? When he's not rushing round trying to do a dozen things as if the world were due to end tomorrow, he's snapping and snarling at the least provocation. Saw him lay into that prentice of his, the one with the stutter - not like the poor lad can answer back.

And the other day my Jeanie was in that place on the Wharf, learning to knit - courtesy of Lady ISOBEL Taurdain, of all folk! I'd have thought those nobles would be too proud to mix with the likes of us. But Jeanie says 'Missus Isobel' is an all right sort, even if she doesn't know how to loosen up and have a bit of fun. Anyway, just as they were finishing off Master Brev came in, and when the girls were a bit slow in leaving - you know the way young things chatter - he started shouting at them. Fair scared the wits out of her! It was left to Lady Isobel to calm her husband down - and I do hope she taught him some manners!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Asleep in the hay?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=11 June 2013
|postbody=There's advantages to working in the stables. Sometimes on those cold nights it hardly seems worth heading back into town to shiver in a cold room under a worn-out blanket - me, I just settle down and take a kip in the hay. I was doing just that the other evening when I heard voices, so of course I took a look-see.

That new Elf, HARUVEN, was in the stables making a fuss of one animal and gabbling away in Elvish as though the beast could understand, when there was an outburst from the next stall that sounded rather less pretty. It was that foreigner BREV and I'll wager those guttural words weren't any form of praise for man or beast. His excuse? He said he'd dozed off.

Master Haruven accepted that story and the two of them got to talking about titles. Brev tried to explain why he wasn't titled 'Lord' and I had a hard time keeping my laughter to myself when Haruven mentioned /his/ title. 'Man-bedder'? Someone in that Elf-town clearly has a wicked sense of humour!

But then things turned serious - I heard the Elf say that one of his kin's horses had been killed by wolves, seems they'd been out hunting the pack that's been causing trouble up north. Sounds like they found them, too! That was when that hunter fellow GIDON came in to be drawn into the conversation. What else might have been said I don't know, but when Brev discovered it was after sundown he upped and hared off, leaving the other two behind. They continued talking but I couldn't hear what about, more's the pity.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A Threat in the North
|author=Haruven
|dateposted=12 June 2013
|postbody=Best believe gets boring to guard the bridge into town some nights, 'specially when the most lively thing that happens all night is a rotten Elf staring at the sky for hours. Again. What is it they see up there? I still don't know what that diplomat HARUVEN thought he was lookin' at, but he quit it when Lady ORIANA came by, seemed he had some business to discuss with her. Business which involved the dwarf GLOIN too when he happened along, and that odd trio stood right there on the bridge to talk.

I moseyed just a little closer to hear what it might be that involves Elves, Dwarves /and/ the house of Karath, and it seems it's those wolves I've heard rumors about. Gloin said as how they've been gnawin' on the Lonely Mountain and the Dale-lands settlers to the north, but then turnin' tail and running away before the dwarves can chop 'em up into little gooey bits. The wood-elves went and found a nest of 'em though, which their diplomat seems keen on dumpin' in Karath's lap. Reckon everyone will have to have a share in the hunt if these wolves are really so bad as all that... I'll tell you now that if it takes all three kingdoms to take out a pack of wolves, that's not wolves I want to see comin' across my bridge, ever!

Here's the thing that worries me, though, and I don't mind saying it. If these evil wolves got drove out of where they were before... what was it that was so bad it made /them/ run south?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Late Night in Town Hall
|author=Lorthrain
|dateposted=13 June 2013
|postbody=Most days the Town Hall, in fact the whole business district gets shut down early, no? Well, not last night, at least. Seems that the lights were still burning well into the night, especially in the offices of the Steward, Lord Dedron of Girion. Word is he was having a late chat with Prince BARD himself, though it wasn't until they had some visitors that things got really interesting.

One of the guards told me that a trio of Karath arrived: Lord BARLIN, Lady ORIANA, and even Lord GERIK, each on separate business from the sounds of it. But all of them got involved in the nattering, he said, and it turned a bit serious. The door was open, but even so, it aint wise to be seen eavesdropping on noblefolk like that, so all he could make out was that there was something going on about the forts in the south, and money needed from the bank, or somesuch. Not sure what it's all about, but Gerik and Barlin both left in seemingly determined moods, so he tells me...

Now, then it was that Lord Dedron himself left his own office, shutting the door behind him, leaving Lady Oriana and the prince by themselves. Course, with the door closed nothing was heard, but get this: she had quite the glowing smile on her lips when she left!

What could all this mean? What are the 'higher-ups' up to, so highly? Is there something wrong with the bank? And hey, you don't suppose there's anything, y'know, 'going on' between Lady Karath and Prince Bard, do you? Might be worth keeping your ear to the ground for more RP, to find out.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Knock on wood
|author=Brev
|dateposted=19 June 2013
|postbody=The other evening, Master BREV was seen paying a call on the Carpenter's Guildmaster STANRIC (played by Lo). What they discussed I can only speculate, but when Brev came out again he didn't look overly pleased. Frustrated, even. The Guildmaster himself was still tidying up his shop and he merely looked confused. And perhaps tired ... but then he's getting on in years.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A budding scholar?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=22 June 2013
|postbody=The other evening LOUSE burst into the Library like a whirlwind. Stuck door, she claimed; Lady ISOBEL wasn't too impressed. Still, she offered to help Louse find what she was looking for, regardless. Funny, I'd have sworn the girl didn't want the help.

After a while it transpired Louse was after a book on Dwarves. An amused-looking Isobel pointed her towards one particular shelf and soon the Greenshirt was engrossed. Wonder what was in that book? Must've been mighty interesting!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Shaky moorings?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=28 June 2013
|postbody=Did you see that young boatbuilder RIOLAN - you know, the outsider lad from Buhr Marling - almost fall in the Lake the other day? Twice?! He was perched on a piling eating his lunch when BREV (and that tongue-tied prentice of his) stopped to talk to him. Can't think what the carpenter might have said to cause /that/ kind of reaction. What I heard was only chit-chat about whether business was good.

Here now, you don't think that Riolan's been at the bottle during his lunch-hour? Wobbling around like that - not sure I'd want him near my boat if he has!
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-05

2014-11-21T15:28:53Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 02 || ESGAROTH || [[#A Quiet Meeting|A Quiet Meeting]]
|-
| 03 || ESGAROTH || [[#A few words|A few words]]
|-
| 03 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Cook, the Goblin and the Queen|The Cook, the Goblin and the Queen]]
|-
| 06 || ESGAROTH || [[#Whistle while you work|Whistle while you work]]
|-
| 08 || ESGAROTH || [[#Keeping track|Keeping track]]
|-
| 09 || ESGAROTH || [[#Alea iacta est!|Alea iacta est!]]
|-
| 11 || ESGAROTH || [[#Making a splash|Making a splash]]
|-
| 15 || ESGAROTH || [[#An Ereborian in Laketown|An Ereborian in Laketown]]
|-
| 19 || ESGAROTH || [[#One good turn deserves another|One good turn deserves another]]
|-
| 20 || ESGAROTH || [[#Minstrelly concerns|Minstrelly concerns]]
|-
| 20 || ESGAROTH || [[#Sly snowballs|Sly snowballs]]
|-
| 21 || ESGAROTH || [[#Savour the flavour!|Savour the flavour!]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#An Elf Arrives|An Elf Arrives]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#Lords and Ladies|Lords and Ladies]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#Karaths bearing gifts|Karaths bearing gifts]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#Under the table!|Under the table!]]
|-
| 25 || ESGAROTH || [[#An old chestnut|An old chestnut]]
|-
| 26 || ESGAROTH || [[#Of Elves and Women|Of Elves and Women]]
|-
| 26 || ESGAROTH || [[#Elvish has not left the building|Elvish has not left the building]]
|-
| 27 || ESGAROTH || [[#Eaves-dripping!|Eaves-dripping!]]
|-
| 27 || ESGAROTH || [[#Blades and Hearts|Blades and Hearts]]
|-
| 29 || ESGAROTH || [[#Ring of truth|Ring of truth]]
|-
| 29 || ESGAROTH || [[#All tied up!|All tied up!]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=A Quiet Meeting
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=02 May 2013
|postbody=Now the door was left open a crack see, so I heard this with pressing my ear to the door. The Lady Oriana had summoned Lord Gerik to her office for some reason or another. I was quite curious over this.

I tell you, it was sort of hard to hear but I did manage it! Turns out Lord Gerik was appointed as the new advisor to the Karath Steward. I'll be! Is that a promotion? Hard to say, the woman is a workhorse after all so does that mean she'll work him silly?

Makes me wonder though, what's happened to Gailwyn? That old cook that was at the woman's side at all times. Hrm. Ah well who'd miss the cranky-pants anyway! Gerik will make a much better advisor than her, if you ask me..
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A few words
|author=Brev
|dateposted=03 May 2013
|postbody=Town's always busy at this time of year, with traders offering up the fruits of a summer's travel and farmers selling off their excess livestock before the winter ... though I've heard there are fewer of those than usual. There was a fellow in the Flagon complaining about his ewes going missing. You don't think ... bandits? Of course, maybe it's just some wild beast *shrugs*.

Anyway, I quit listening to him because Lady ORIANA was sitting all alone. I'd have offered company, you know, but Master BREV and his silent friend GIDON beat me to it (though the latter didn't look too happy about it. How unappreciative can you get?). So I kept an ear out for the conversation. An exchange of pleasantries mainly - Lady Oriana is back from visiting her mother, whilst Brev seems comfortable in his new marriage - but Oriana did manage to get a few words out of Gidon (mostly one at a time. You'd think he was losing coin for each syllable that dropped from his lips!). Mostly hunting talk, but still more than anyone else has ever got him to say. Do you reckon she's recruiting for House Karath?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Cook, the Goblin and the Queen
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=03 May 2013
|postbody=Last evening when I was on guard duty my stomach was rumbling something fierce, and I'll tell you why - cook had the day off and those two fool apprentices of hers couldn't cook dinner without burning it and having to start over! Damn lackwits. The children were all worked up but thankfully Master BREV turned up to distract them with a story and I must admit that it wasn't half bad. Was about a cook going into the forest to find some herbs and he ran into this goblin, and-- well, if you want to hear the rest maybe you ask the carpenter.

Anyway, it was a good way to pass the time and when he was done his wife lady ISOBEL (who crept in all quiet-like sometime during the story without me even noticing!) took her turn and told another, seeing as the food wasn't ready yet. The Greenshirt LOUSE (played by BREV) was hanging around brushing Conal, you know Lady Arla's dog, that great hairy beast, and she seemed none too fond of Brev, I tell you... oh, the story? It was pretty clever, I thought, but not as amusing as the first one.
It was about some old queen who solved a good deal of head-scratchers and won the love of the king in the end. But there was this funny bit about two farmers and one of them tried to catch a fish off the roadside!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Whistle while you work
|author=Brev
|dateposted=06 May 2013
|postbody=The other evening as we were unloading some cargo down on the Docks, I heard this whistle that near made me drop a crate! When I glanced round I only noticed Lady ISOBEL, and I'd hardly have chosen her to wolf-whistle at. I mean ... she's a bit on the skinny side, no?

Perhaps others would agree. Turned out the whistler was only young LOUSE mucking around with a blade of straw. Lady Isobel winkled the greenshirt out of the cubbyhole she'd tucked herself into by means of bribery - a good dinner and some warm winter clothes in exchange for the whistling trick. Have to say, I can never figure out why Lady Isobel is so soft on the girl. Can you?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Keeping track
|author=Brev
|dateposted=08 May 2013
|postbody=Did you notice that farmer fellow hanging round town recently? From somewhere up north, I think, didn't pay it too much heed. Anyway, when he wasn't in the Flagon bemoaning the loss of his ewes he was asking round the marketplace for a hunter or tracker. Not much call for that sort of thing round here, but BREV overheard and insisted the man should employ his friend GIDON. Clearly favoritism is alive and well in House Taurdain.

So why did the farmer want a tracker? I happened to be walking along behind, so I heard the tale: some creature snatching livestock and ripping out a boy's throat. 'The Beast', the farmer called it, insisting whatever-it-was was 'evil' and 'nothing natural'. Likely he was just making excuses for his own lack tracking skills - no creature vanishes into thin air, right? Right?

Stop looking at me like that! Gidon can't have taken the man's mutterings overseriously or he'd not have set off with the fellow the very next morning. What do you mean, 'we might never see him again'?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Alea iacta est!
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=09 May 2013
|postbody=Cor, DELLING (played by ISOBEL) sure is a sore loser sometimes! He lost a few games in a row yesterday and I've not seen anyone look so put out in a long time. No wonder he decided to go watch as that Greenshirt LOUSE (played by BREV) tried her luck at craps instead - his own luck was notably absent. Must've been the girl's first time playing, I reckon, because she wanted to bet a copper at first. A whole copper, eh? Certainly won't make anyone rich!

She must have upped the offer though because in the end they let her play and would you believe it, the little brat won! And there I was, having lost a whole silver on the damn craps earlier in the evening! Guess Delling must've seen his chance to finally earn some money instead of losing it; he started telling Louse about a bet he's running, probably trying to get her to buy in. Eh? No, lad, you don't want to bet with /him/. There's something fishy about how often he wins, if you ask me... oh, the bet was about that foreigner Brev and his... prowess in the bedroom. Don't you remember that there was a rumour about it, a few years ago? That his wife left him because he couldn't... well. Poor man. As if being crippled wasn't enough, to have everyone know about it--

Louse is a clever lass though. Not only did she not take the bet, she turned the tide on Delling and ventured a guess that the man's not getting his leg over no more - and I think me she hit the nail on the head! He protested a bit too much, if you know what I mean.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Making a splash
|author=Brev
|dateposted=11 May 2013
|postbody=Did you hear that young boatbuilder RIOLAN Karath fell in the Lake the other day? Said he was checking a vessel for leaks and overbalanced ...at least he found what he was looking for, right? He was dripping wet, though, and insisted he be let into the Underdecks Infirmary to dry off. BREV relented, though young Riolan might yet regret it - I don't even want to think about what sort of diseases some of those Decks folk are spreading! Last I saw, the lad had been given a blanket to wrap himself in and instructed to turn some odds and ends of wood into a makeshift crutch. They say it right, nothing in this life comes for free ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=An Ereborian in Laketown
|author=Brev
|dateposted=15 May 2013
|postbody=Those Dwarves are back in town. A few days ago I noticed three of them heading into the Town Hall. Lord GERIK Karath was swift to spot them and offered his assistance though the eldest of the trio, who seemed to consider himself a person of importance (well, going by that fancy garb he was wearing), wasn't terribly specific about what they were doing here. I did catch that his name was GLOIN, though he didn't look that sparkly to me (get it? Glow-ing ... oh, never mind) and that he wanted to speak to the Steward. Except that apparently Lord Dedron is indisposed - or so some clerk (Isobel) claimed. Suppose it could be true, half of Laketown's coughing and sniffling at the moment *shrugs* Oh, and the Dwarf was also muttering something about wolves, I did hear they're bad this year. Not that it affects us townsfolk - if some folk choose to live out in the back of beyond, what else can they expect?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=One good turn deserves another
|author=Brev
|dateposted=19 May 2013
|postbody=I happened to overhear a conversation between Lady KANYARIA Arathmor and Master Brev (I suppose that's 'of Taurdain' now) in the Training Yard some days back. Not, as one might imagine, on the finer points of dagger-use but something about 'favours'. Seems Brev wanted something from Lady Kanyaria and she was rather reluctant, going by the sour expression on her face at one point: I heard her mutter something about 'Karath'. Well, we all know there's no love lost between Arathmor and Karath - not much love lost between Arathmor and anyone else, come to that!

Eventually some agreement must have been reached, for I saw Lady Kanyaria nodding, then it was her turn to 'ask a favour'. Boy, but I'd have loved to hear what that was - but the Sergeant called me away to deal with some paperwork so I never got the chance. Maybe someone with sharp ears and eyes will figure it out ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Minstrelly concerns
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=20 May 2013
|postbody=I was freezing my fingers off in the cold the other day at the wharf when Master DELLING (played by ISOBEL) sauntered by, jaunty as cheerful as can be. It's alright for some, I guess, when they don't have to sell cold, slimy fish! He soon stopped whistling though as Master BREV (the one who runs that workshop thing; you know, I've half a mind to send my younger ones there to learn something useful) blocked his path for a word or two.

I thought old Dell looked oddly on edge but I can't fathom why; the carpenter was making mostly nice and asking about the minstrel's guild. Here, you don't think he's going to take up singing for a living? Then I thought I heard Alaric's name and isn't that passing odd? Must be at least two years since he skipped town. You don't think he's back?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Sly snowballs
|author=Brev
|dateposted=20 May 2013
|postbody=How I do hate the cold of winter! Winds that'd freeze your ears off, snow that seeps into your boots ... someone seems to like the snow, though. One snowy evening I saw young LOUSE hanging round the Market Square throwing snowballs at ... well, I'm not sure quite what at, but she narrowly missed Lady ORIANA. Undeterred, the girl challenged the noblewoman to a snowball fight!

Lady Oriana didn't object - if you ask me, she looked glad of a little relaxation. Some of those nobles need to unwind sometimes! Louse's technique was straightforward: pelt your opponent hard and keep at it until something hits. I think she did land a score with her third or fourth try. Oriana, however, favoured feints and dodges, waiting until Louse was off-guard to land her own well-aimed snowball.

So who won? That I can't say - someone else hanging round decided Louse made a tempting target (or maybe that Karath honour needed defending?) and started lobbing snowballs at the Greenshirt youngster, who promptly took umbrage and ran off. Well, she /said/ she had something to do, but me, I reckon she just didn't want to be beat!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Savour the flavour!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=21 May 2013
|postbody=The Flagon's busy on these cold nights. The other evening, when it was starting to snow, the crowd was so thick that RIOLAN Karath couldn't even get to the bar - he had to resort to asking some old Dwarf to move up and allow him space. The Dwarf, who introduced himself as GLOIN son of Groin (I reckon I heard Riolan snigger), decided to do more than that and offered to buy the young man a drink. A lecture on beer types and another on the responsibilities of sons(!) later, Riolan looked like he might be regretting taking him up on it. Fortunately for him, Gloin left him in peace to seek some tardy companions.

So is one ale different from another? You tell me ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=An Elf Arrives
|author=Haruven
|dateposted=22 May 2013
|postbody=Just the other day, I saw it with my own eyes -- a group of elves, not a lot of them, come over the bridge and into the city. What I heard is as they've dropped off a diplomat of their people, HARUVEN he's called himself. My daughter's good-sister's cousin works as a servant for the Taurdain and she said as visiting that House was the Elf's first stop, making his introductions to BREV and Lady ISOBEL. Making them a gift of a cask of wine, with it! Sure and it's no surprise, what with how Taurdain and the Elves have always been thick as thieves!

More surprising than that was how quick the Elf turned up outside the Merchant's Guild, and him in conversation with an Arathmor no less! I got close enough to hear in hoping that there might be trade talked, or better yet, insults wrapped up in fancy-talk! I was passing disappointed to hear FLETEN Arathmor be civil and even friendly, the elf back to him, and then both of them gone off to discuss the what-not and how-its of something to do with scholars. You'd think Arathmor goes on picnics with its foreign neighbors on the regular! How dull!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Lords and Ladies
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=22 May 2013
|postbody=Lady ORIANA swung by the Suites the other day and she seemed in good spirits! Been a while since she came around, nice to see her again. Of course she sought out Lady ISOBEL and the two took some tea in the sitting room - and the last of the lavender cookies! I saw hoping to sneak one myself, but alas... anyway, when I heard Oriana mention a nasty prank she played on her advisor my ears pricked up and, I admit it, maybe I was a little bit sore about the cakes too, but.. to make a long story short, I crept up to the door real quiet-like and listened in for a bit and would you believe it, Lord Gerik's seen Lady Oriana naked! And what's more, she ordered him to strip in front of all the servants! ... or some servants? I dunno, other people anyway! And he did!

Well, I was so shocked when I heard it that I had to go back to the kitchen and sit down. Cook had to make me a strong cup of tea before I could gather my wits again! How have they managed to keep this under wraps at Karath place? Lord Gerik in just his skin in Lady Oriana's office at her orders? Scandalous what these nobles get up to!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Karaths bearing gifts
|author=Brev
|dateposted=22 May 2013
|postbody=Master Warden RIORDAN Karath is back in town! I saw him in the Taurdain Suites yesterday afternoon, asking for Lady ISOBEL or her husband Master BREV. In fact, he got both of them (the latter looking less than awake, he'd been working nights this week) and they led him off to the sitting room. Not before he'd presented them with a jug of fine wine - from Iach Celduin, I heard.

Lady Isobel insisted on serving the visitor another batch that lavender shortbread herself - wouldn't let any of us near it, I swear that woman /hoards/ the stuff! - but I happened to be passing the sitting room a little later and I'm sure I heard the name 'Lady Oriana' mentioned. More than once. After that, Master Brev, who must have stepped out, returned with three glasses and I reckon that very fine wine got sampled ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Under the table!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=22 May 2013
|postbody=Did you see that little runt SIAN (played by Kanyaria) walking into the carpentry workshop on the Business Parade the other afternoon, bold as brass? That laddie can't be more than four or five summers, he's hardly going to be making any purchases, so what he thought he was up to I don't know. Master BREV and his prentice Ottar didn't throw him out on his ear immediately, but a little later the child emerged laughing fit to burst! When I asked him what was so funny I couldn't get a straight story: he kept going on about crawling under tables and 'Mister Bwev' and a bet involving a piece of string, before claiming excitedly, 'E may /never/ get out!' You don't think he'd tied the carpenter up? Even if Master Brev /is/ into those foreign perversions, I can't see his lad Ottar just standing by and letting it happen ...

Oh, and Sian said 'Missus T'urda'n' was there too. I wonder what Lady ISOBEL makes of that novel pronunciation? I nearly choked when I heard it! I'll wager /she/ wasn't crawling under tables. I did notice that someone had knitted young Ottar a very nice pair of gloves, though.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=An old chestnut
|author=Brev
|dateposted=25 May 2013
|postbody=With the weather being so unsettled of late, it's scarce wonder that some have chosen to move traditional outdoor winter pastimes indoors. Like conkers, for example. That young Greenshirt LOUSE was wandering round the Great Hall trying to sell conkers at five coppers apiece and offering to play anyone who took her up on it. If you ask me, she was more interested in coin than in reviving a fine old sport.

Lady ISOBEL took her up on the offer, only for the conker Louse had sold her to fall victim to the child's bootheel after a few swings. Suspicious or what? I reckon that young scoundrel had been treating those chestnuts she passed on with something to make them soft and malleable. But that's Decks rats for you, those brats are born cheaters!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Of Elves and Women
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=26 May 2013
|postbody=Seems the flagon had a pointy eared visitor! Some elf was there with a few bottles of wine and sitting with him was the Lady Oriana! Now we all know that woman is nothing but work but it seems here the pair were having some fun. Laughter was to be had, around some of the more serious conversation. Couldn't tell what it was half the time they were speaking some other language. But the topic of love came up through it! Is the Karath woman looking finally? Or is she being pressured into the idea? Hard to say. But when elves are involved strange things can happen!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Elvish has not left the building
|author=Haruven
|dateposted=26 May 2013
|postbody=A few nights ago I had the rum luck to guard the bridge in the cold after dark -- I was standing there minding my own boredom when who should happen along but that elf HARUVEN? Well I asked him his business quick as you like, but he only said as how he thought the bridge would be a good place to look at the stars and the lake. I didn't half buy that suspicious excuse, but bless me, that's what he did, just stood there looking up, for blasted ages. It's not just him as has the habit either -- another elf came by some time later! I think he greeted her as ANGOLINN but that might be the word for 'horseshoes' in their tongue, for all I know. They talked in that sploshy elf-language of theirs, but sure as I'm born I heard them say the name of ISOBEL, and 'Taurdain' and 'Arathmor' too. What have they got to say that can't be said in common language like normal folk, that's what I want to know.

And you've already heard lady ORIANA has been incited to conversation in strange tongues with the Elf HARUVEN as well? What next, our will our blacksmiths and ferrymen insist on elf-words too? Someone ought to tell these foreigners that if they want to speak Elvish so bad, they can go back to the woods!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Eaves-dripping!
|author=Haruven
|dateposted=27 May 2013
|postbody=Oh, but it was a wet evening a day or two past. Not weather I'd put a dog out in - but LOUSE had clearly taken the dog out, for I looked out of the window of Taurdain Suites and saw that child prancing past tugging a very bedraggled-looking Conal. They stopped to dry off under the eaves of the Elven Embassy: I felt sorry for the poor Elf standing in the doorway when Conal soaked him! Me, I'd have had sharp words to say, but he was all civil: seemed to be chattering away to Louse quite the thing until FLETEN turned up. Louse was giving the Arathmor scholar lip, judging by her posturing, and I don't think he was overly impressed either. One can hardly blame him.

Just as well Sergeant LOREN happened by to break up the little party. He paused to exchange greetings on his way into the Suites and collected Louse and Conal in the process (I'll wager Conal had sniffed out those fishcakes the man was carrying. Sent to buy fishcakes in the pouring rain? I don't know how he puts up with those cravings of Lady Arla's, I really don't!) When Louse passed me she was claiming she'd won a ring from the Elf in exchange for information - 'Mister Her-Oven' she called him. Funny, I'd have sworn it was HARUVEN, but there you go. Wonder what information that brat could have that's worth a ring? I hope the Elven visitor wasn't fool enough to believe her ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Blades and Hearts
|author=Oriana
|dateposted=27 May 2013
|postbody=Seems that elf HARUVEN was seen again. This time in the Weapon Shoppe. Wonder what this self proclaimed none fighter had to do there? Lady ORIANA then arrived and the two were seen talking. I didn't hear much but Haru had said a few things in regards to his late wife. That part of the conversation didn't last long till they were back on the topic of swords. That's when the lady had shown him hers, which left an impression on more than just the pointed-eared man.

They were then interrupted and parted ways after that.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Ring of truth
|author=Brev
|dateposted=29 May 2013
|postbody=The other evening in the Flagon, I saw the new Elven diplomat, the one the Greenshirts have taken to calling 'Mister Her-Oven' (HARUVEN), handing over a copper ring to that young tearaway LOUSE. Apparently it had been promised to the girl for 'something he'd never heard before'. Hah, Louse is full of /that/ sort of language - question is, does anyone want to hear it again?

Sharing the Elven diplomat's table for a while were Lady ORIANA Karath, who had slipped on the ice on her way here (truth be told, a few of us did that), though it didn't stop her imbibing whisky, and Lady ISOBEL Taurdain, who was sampling the beaver stew. Was the stew good? Well, Isobel's exact words were 'most interesting'. I leave you to decide for yourself.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=All tied up!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=29 May 2013
|postbody=According to LOUSE, that young boatbuilder RIOLAN (son of Riordan Karath, no less) has some unusual ... interests.

Here's what she said:

"I was out spreadin' sawdust in th' Market Square when I came across that there Riolan botherin' one of the stallkeepers. 'E was tryin' ter look at ladies' trinkets - an 'im with 'is 'ands all over black with tar! Anyways, we talked 'bout this an' that an' I telt 'im 'bout that pretty stuff th' Elves 'ave - I was bein' 'elpful, see? Then 'e outs an' says 'e fancies a piece of Elven rope! Rope, I says? D'you wanner tie 'er up? 'An 'e didn't deny it nor nothin', telt me it was none o' my business! Did yer ever 'ear of such a pervert?"

Course, /I/ can think of a few things a boatbuilder might want rope for, but sometimes it's more amusing to let that Greenshirt speculate ...
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-04

2014-11-21T15:13:19Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
|-
| 01 || ESGAROTH || [[#A face to frighten children?|A face to frighten children?]]
|-
| 01 || THRUSH HILL || [[#A Full Life, Yet Unfulfilled|A Full Life, Yet Unfulfilled]]
|-
| 02 || ESGAROTH || [[#Taurdain Troubles|Taurdain Troubles]]
|-
| 03 || ESGAROTH || [[#A suitable target|A suitable target]]
|-
| 04 || ESGAROTH || [[#One Man and a Baby|One Man and a Baby]]
|-
| 05 || ESGAROTH || [[#Scholarly Pursuits|Scholarly Pursuits]]
|-
| 05 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Accidental Thief?|The Accidental Thief?]]
|-
| 05 || ESGAROTH || [[#A suspicious package?|A suspicious package?]]
|-
| 06 || ESGAROTH || [[#Love hurts|Love hurts]]
|-
| 08 || ESGAROTH || [[#Drown your sorrows!|Drown your sorrows!]]
|-
| 11 || ESGAROTH || [[#A wedding celebration!|A wedding celebration!]]
|-
| 14 || ESGAROTH || [[#A butterfly flaps its wings|A butterfly flaps its wings]]
|-
| 15 || ESGAROTH || [[#By the sweat of a noble brow ...|By the sweat of a noble brow ...]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#At the drop of a hat|At the drop of a hat]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#Window on the world|Window on the world]]
|-
| 25 || ESGAROTH || [[#Early-morning exercise|Early-morning exercise]]
|-
| 28 || ESGAROTH || [[#Suspicious lurker|Suspicious lurker]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=A face to frighten children?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=01 April 2013
|postbody=This hot weather has everyone exhausted, wandering round with their eyes half-shut. Why, the other evening in the Market Square I saw a near-collision between the King's Man GERIK and the Flagon barmaid YLVIDA! The pair got as far as exchanging apologies and names and then the woman ran off, I couldn't fathom why.

LOUSE reckoned she knew the reason though, she marched right up and told Gerik it must be his face. What a cheek! She's certainly no oil-painting. The Greenshirt youngster then proceeded to nag the King's Man for tales of his recent patrol - she shut up, though, when she learned he'd not signed up with the military till the ripe old age of seventeen. Deflated, the girl left ... hmm, maybe there /is/ something about Gerik's face?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A Full Life, Yet Unfulfilled
|author=Hrodwyn
|dateposted=01 April 2013
|postbody=One recent evening at Thrush Hill Tower, Lieutenant HRODWYN of Karath came upon Lieutenant LORTHRAIN Girion swinging at a straw dummy well after the normal hours for training. The two officers soon turned to conversation, with the Girion Lord expressing both satisfiaction and yet unease. Yet, with a lovely wife, healthy son, and good career, what /could/ be bothering Lorthrain?

A sense of uncertainty, it seems. An uncertainty born of witnessing the dwarves fight alongside the men of Dale in the recent orc incursion. An uncertainty stemming from the knowledge that the dwarves fought alongside the Bardings despite having suffered only limited harm from the orcs. An uncertainty of why the subjects of King Brand follow that monarch even though they rarely see him and have no great ties to him.

Though recognizing its force, Hrodwyn was unable to help her fellow officer with this malaise.

Talk then turned to other things -- to Hrodwyn's own concerns about the future. Should she continue in King's Men? Or rather was it time, at 28 years of age, to find a husband and settle down with a family? Difficult choices, with staying the course as the best answer...for now.

In the end, the conversation shifted once more, taking a final dark turn. Hrodwyn noted she had felt some hostility from the residents of the southern part of kingdom during the recent fight against the orcs. Lorthrain agreed. So, the two made arrangements to look further into these matters...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Taurdain Troubles
|author=Brev
|dateposted=02 April 2013
|postbody=Did you know there was blood spilt, right here in Taurdain Suites? Yes really, we might all have been murdered in our beds! It was like this ...

I was woken out of a sound sleep by shouting and a sudden crash! So of course I put my head round the door to see what was what. Other folk were doing the same - I'll tell you, that young lass Fride is a looker when she's in her nightgo- er, where was I? Right, I peered over the bannisters and I saw GAWAIN the doorward - you know, him with the big mouth - lying on the floor with his arm dripping blood and that fellow Gerro standing over him with a knife until someone wrestled it away from him. Well, we all knew those two retainers didn't get on but noone thought they'd take to trying to kill each other in /our/ Suites!

Then Lady ISOBEL came out of the library (what she was doing poring over old tomes at /that/ hour I don't know!) and tried to shoo us all off like a mother hen. "Nothing to see", indeed! Of course, she sent someone for Master BREV - any excuse to be in his company, eh? Though I must admit that when I slipped downstairs later for a drink from the fountain they were in separate rooms. The sawbones was patching up Gawain in the kitchen and Lady Isobel was questioning Gerro in the sitting room. Of course, with the kitchen being so near the fountain I heard a word or two ... something about Gawain being sorry? And hoping he'd keep his job! Since when did anyone lose their job for being stabbed? Wonder just what he's done? And more to the point, what Lady Isobel will do to the pair of them for coming to blows? I've heard that Gerro is to be dismissed ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A suitable target
|author=Brev
|dateposted=03 April 2013
|postbody=My, I wouldn't like to cross Lady KANYARIA Arathmor! You should have seen the way she was attacking that target dummy yesterday. Master BREV remarked on it but then was brave enough to test her skills on a live target: himself. He gave some advice along the way and it must have paid off, for eventually she managed to land a blow on his leather-clad side. At this point the sawbones knocked the weapon out of the noblewoman's hand and declared the demonstration at an end, for the sake of his forthcoming wedding. Hmm ... we all know Lady Kanyaria dislikes Lady Isobel, you don't think she was /trying/ to maim the man?

They parted with Lady Kanyaria promising to give Brev his payment later. What sort of payment is that, I wonder, if it can't be doled out in public? Sounds suspicious to me ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=One Man and a Baby
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=04 April 2013
|postbody=The other day I saw the newest little Girion out and about for the first time, safe in her mother Lady AILITH's arms! ... well, fine, mostly safe. Not in immediate danger at any rate, the father ALGER was there after all to keep his family safe and sound! Soon enough he found himself with an armful of baby as the Girion lass went off to get some cider and damn if he didn't look stiff as a statue! He stood there all quiet-like when Lady ISOBEL turned up to chat with his wife about this and that; before the little family went their own way the healer woman passed her empty cup to Isobel. Perhaps a wedding gift?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Scholarly Pursuits
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=05 April 2013
|postbody=I saw a thing that's somewhat unusual in the Market Square the other day; there I was, minding my own business (not really because there was a sad lack of it) when I noticed a young Arathmor appoaching Lady ISOBEL and the two engaged in a civil conversation! Not a harsh word, not a glare... Caught his name, TANIS (played by LORTHRAIN) it is, and soon enough the reason for his pleasantness became clear - he wants to become a scholar! Well, I'll wager his ancestors are turning in their graves just as they turned pennies when they were alive! To think, an Arathmor dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge rather than the pursuit of money... I'll keep an eye out for the lad, he seems interesting.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Accidental Thief?
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=05 April 2013
|postbody='twas a lovely summer evening and I was sitting in front of my shop, drinking a pint in peace and watching folks drift by on their evening strolls, when the peace was rudely scattered! Some lad came running, arms flapping like a chicken, and he was screaming about a thief! Well, up I jump in a fright, spilling my ale, and then it turns out that he was just talking about that young man GIDON who lives with BREV the carpenter down the street. Pah!

Lord BARLIN Karath, Ole Stiff-leg, he was right nearby talking to Lady ISOBEL Taurdain so I left it to them to sort it all out. Come to think of it though, isn't it odd for those two men to be shacked up together and them not related, eh? Maybe that's why his first wife ran off...?

... Right, right, getting off-topic. So I sat myself down again and watched the show - wasn't amusing for long though because Lord Barlin, however much he bristled at first, soon was assured that Gidon actually does live there. And then, of course, the master of the house himself showed up! Though he was hailed heartily enough by all those present the party was soon breaking up when another 'igh-up appeared. Lord LORTHRAIN didn't spare much time for his cousin and her betrothed, certainly; he was more interested in Ole Stiff-leg, and Lord Barlin declined the invitation to come inside after all. The two lords went to the Great Hall, the others went into Brev's workshop and I went inside to get more ale.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A suspicious package?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=05 April 2013
|postbody=I saw Master BREV down at the Docks the other evening, talking to that friend of his, the hunter fellow with the withered arm (GIDON) - the one noone can ever get a word out of. Brev seemed to, though: the pair of them were murmuring and then Gidon handed over a package. Suspicious or what? I have to admit that when Brev opened it it didn't look like contrabrand - more like a piece of cloth or leather. Still, we all know the Docks is a place for dodgy deals ...

... And for dodgy characters. Young RIOLAN came along then, looking decidedly ill at ease: I couldn't decide whether he was trying to find someone or trying /not/ to, if you take my meaning. Heard him ask if Brev was planning on running away, though the carpenter didn't seem to get the joke. Some folk have no sense of humour! Why, Brev isn't even planning a last night out with the menfolk, much to Riolan's disappointment - he hoped to see his father Riordan get drunk. Hah! The Master Warden letting himself go like that in public? Sure, and cows might fly.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Love hurts
|author=Brev
|dateposted=06 April 2013
|postbody=Dragon's breath, but I hate pulling Watch duty in the Training Yard at the dinner hour. Boring as watching fish dry - who stirs up trouble when they could be eating their meal? Still at least there was free entertainment the other day.

That BREV was practising at the archery target with his sling (and making a right pig's breakfast of it too. What? No, I suppose I couldn't have done any better) and then showing off with a throwing knife. Lady ISOBEL came into the Yard then. Whether she was impressed by it I can't tell, but she did agree to take a lesson in 'how to stab things'. Charming, eh? After a quick demonstration on the training dummy, they moved on to sparring (hmm, I didn't see Lady Isobel with a dagger when she came in?). Needless to say, the lady had the worst of it, which I don't think pleased her, for she resorted to underhand means to end the bout: first an arm about the waist and then, when that failed, the threat of a well-placed knee. How seriously that was taken I don't know, for her tutor ended the session with - well, I hope the man doesn't behave that way to all his female pupils. Just as well that pair are about to wed!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Drown your sorrows!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=08 April 2013
|postbody=The men of Taurdain must've decided that BREV deserved a farewell to bachelorhood, for I saw a gaggle of them escorting him into the Flagon yesterday evening. He looked none too comfortable about it either, for when Lord GERIK passed by he practically begged the Karath to join them, hoping for an ally no doubt. Of course, it was a little late for that ... next thing I knew, Sergeant LOREN, GAWAIN and the rest were tossing the contents of their mugs over the groom-to-be, drenching him from head to heels! Gerik got a bit of a wetting too, though he took it in good part. Me, I was shocked at the waste of Brue's ale - but the serving lass assures me it was only water.

Well, we all waited to see what Brev would do - I've heard a few things about his surly temper - but he must have managed to see the funny side, made some remark about watering the ale and then settled down to the business of dripping and drinking (though he took his sweet time about the latter. Doesn't he know it's a tradition to drink yourself under the table pre-wedding-night?). Discussion of the .. er, formidable Lady Niamh degenerated into talk of Lord Bernar in a dress - I'm telling you, that foreigner has some mighty strange fetishes! That first shot of strong spirits was downed eventually, but when Brev balked at the second Gerik stepped in to share the burden. Next thing, the Karath lord was regaling us with tales of battling trolls - who knew there were so many of them around the Dale-lands? A regular monster-slayer he must be!

The carpenter-cum-sawbones must have more staying power than we reckoned, for I heard that come closing both he and Loren left the place on their own (notably unsteady!) legs. Gawain I'm not so sure about ... I also heard that there's been no sawing and hammering coming from that workshop in the Business Parade today. Wonder why?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A wedding celebration!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=11 April 2013
|postbody=On a clear summer's evening in August, the doors to the Great Hall were thrown open to all comers, high-born and low, to celebrate the wedding of Lady ISOBEL Taurdain and ... er, that foreign fellow that can't decide whether he's carpenter or sawbones, Master BREV. Must be an embarrassment for the House to have her marrying one of lower rank, but they were putting a good show on anyway.

Amongst the guests, as well as Taurdain relatives from as far afield as Dale and Iach Celduin, were an assortment of Karaths. Lord BARLIN, escorting his brother's wife Lady Ivanna, seemed most put out at being required to socialize - apparently he reckons 'a good, long gallop into the wilderness' to be a more fitting means to mark a wedding! Hmm ... Lieutenant HRODWYN was also reserved, confessing that 'too much frivolity' did not appeal. At least Master Riordan's son RIOLAN was enjoying himself, even if his interest seemed to be in food rather than the dance floor - why, he didn't even ask Hrodwyn up to dance! Where are his manners ... oh, right, I forgot. He's from Buhr Marling and they're all savages down there.

Other Houses were represented too. Lady AILITH Girion and her husband ALGER seemed to be enjoying their brief respite from parental duties, though the former was behaving a little oddly: I swear I saw her pass a glass of wine under the buffet table! The bride and groom were acting strange too. Can you believe it, at one point I saw them talking to a potted plant? Though I did see that silent hunter fellow (GIDON) slinking away from the vicinity just after. Ailith departed after a whirlwind of hugging in which Lord GERIK was also caught up, her spouse following in more decorous fashion. Lord Gerik presented Lady Isobel with some flowers from the countryside - she seemed quite touched by the gesture! - and a letter from Lady Oriana, at whose absence both newlyweds expressed regret.

Another, perhaps more surprising, guest was Lady KANYARIA Arathmor, who arrived with her two children in tow just as that Greenshirt girl LOUSE, who'd been stuffing herself at the buffet, importuned Lady Isobel with a remark that we won't repeat and then started hugging all and sundry (copying Ailith?). She even headed toward the bride's mother, Lady Niamh, but fortunately Lady Arla and her husband Loren managed to head the youngster off and took her back to the Suites with them. Anyway, where was I - oh yes, Lady Kanyaria. She greeted Brev (she's one of those who persists in calling the man by his earlier name of Brunni - what's a fellow doing with more than one name anyway?) and her offspring handed over two parcels for the happy couple. Young Elaradwyn's a regular little Lord, he insisted on presenting both gifts (his little sister was more reticent, clinging to her brother and then her mother). Wonder what was in the boxes?

As evening wore on the happy couple were nowhere to be seen, but drinking and dancing continued long into the night - and eating too. The buffet was still going strong, though desserts kept disappearing under the table (Riolan lifted the tablecloth at one point to reveal a little lad (SIAN) taking advantage of the free food). All in all, a fine time was had by all!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A butterfly flaps its wings
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=14 April 2013
|postbody=... And somewhere a girl falls down. That Greenshirt LOUSE (played by BREV) was lugging pails of water around the other day, and hot work it looked to be, when some lass chasing a butterfly fell down (or sat down, what do I know?) right in front of her. Y'know the waif can be a bit.. rude sometimes, she certainly doesn't mince words anyway, so I figured we might be in for a show but nah, Louse just asked if the girl was alright. Lady ISOBEL drifted over at that point but she seemed a bit moony, kept looking east and going all dreamy-eyed, like. She only stayed long enough to find out that the lass's name is YLVIDA, that she's new in town and that she works at the Fiery Flagon as a bar maid; then Miss Ylvida (and she's a looker so I'll see you in the tavern later so you'll see what I mean, yeah?) was left to the tender mercies of Louse's company.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=By the sweat of a noble brow ...
|author=Brev
|dateposted=15 April 2013
|postbody=Sometimes those end-of-summer days can be real scorchers. Take yesterday - by the time it was gone noon anyone in their right mind was thinking about quenching their thirst. Of course, it's debatable whether nobles and their hangers-on are in their right minds.

Master BREV was down on hands and knees inspecting the bridge - I heard him say to Lord GERIK there's maintenance due. Wonder how the Carpenter's Guild plans to do that? Hold up all the traffic, or simply carry out the work at night when there's noone to obstruct? I've heard the Merchants Guild favours the latter approach, and they do say that money talks ...

Lord Gerik had been busy too, shepherding some new recruits and showing them the town's muster points. And Lady ISOBEL certainly looked to have been hard at work - though when Lord Gerik pressed her it turned out she'd simply been out riding. It's all right for some! Those noble ladies don't know what toil is. She was even talking about going for a swim - and the day only half-done!

Perhaps in attempt to divert attention from her own idleness, Lady Isobel turned the conversation toward how the Lake-hemmed town might fare in an emergency. It's a grim subject and one I didn't care to think on, so I went on my way at that point. Lord Gerik followed soon after, while Lady Isobel went off in search of a place to bathe. Come to think of it, I didn't notice Master Brev heading back to town just then ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=At the drop of a hat
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=22 April 2013
|postbody=I saw that lass LOUSE (playd by BREV) idling by the wharf the other day, shouting at some lads who were making trouble and generally puffing herself up - a good thing Sergeant LOREN (played by ISOBEL) came by to keep an eye on things! Seems they had a right nice talk too, the man pointed out his father's old fish shop and started talking about when he was a young one. Didn't know they were so chummy. The Greenshirt scarpered when someone's hat blew by; she's almost like that dog Lady Arla owns, always chasing after things that move!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Window on the world
|author=Brev
|dateposted=22 April 2013
|postbody=I noticed the carpenter BREV pacing up and down Bowman Street the other day at dusk; looked like he'd dropped something. RIOLAN Karath happened to be standing at his window and offered to lend the man a hand. Next thing the young man had climbed over the sill, cool as a cucumber - you'd think he'd forgotten what doors are for! I'm telling you, if I were his father I'd be worried over him displaying /that/ particular skill ... reckon he's been visiting a lassie in the dead of night? Or stealing folk's valuables?

Brev found /his/ valuable after a little while, though it didn't sound like much to be making a fuss over. An animal tooth? Foreigners are strange folk.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Suspicious lurker
|author=Brev
|dateposted=25 April 2013
|postbody=There are some odd characters out on the streets sometimes. The other evening when Lady ISOBEL was out for a stroll this scruffy looking fellow with only a single boot (played by CER) shuffled past mumbling something about 'fishies'. I wondered if I'd have to step in and stop him bothering her, but no, that young Greenshirt LOUSE put in an appearance and that did the trick. The old tramp left, now muttering about benches (hope he didn't end up on the one outside Futon Place, I can imagine Lady Ailith's response!).

Louse wasn't satisfied, however: she insisted there was someone lurking in the shadows. Me, I wasn't about to go and find out! Eventually, when a verbal challenge went unmet, the girl escorted Lady Isobel elsewhere and things went quiet again. As to the fact that the silent hunter GIDON was seen emerging from that same street, well I leave you to decide whether there might have been a connection.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Early-morning exercise
|author=Brev
|dateposted=28 April 2013
|postbody=Do you think Lady ISOBEL Taurdain has tired of married life already? The other morning I caught her sneaking into the Training Yard at the crack of dawn to practise with a dagger! Looked suspicious to me ... though I must admit her husband BREV didn't act disturbed when he caught her at it, merely subjected her to a little sparring to test her skills. The man's clearly besotted: he treated her far more gently than his other pupils (mind you, who wouldn't be tempted to cause a little damage when teaching an Arathmor?) and by the time I went out into the Yard to check the straw in the dummies the sparring seemed to have given way to ... tickling? Only reason I can think of for a fellow laughing and squirming like that. Now, there's something they don't teach 'em in the Watch ...
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-03

2014-11-21T08:27:45Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 05 || EDGE OF MIRKWOOD || [[#A flaming finale|A flaming finale]]
|-
| 06 || IACH CELDUIN || [[#Better out than in..|Better out than in..]]
|-
| 06 || IACH CELDUIN || [[#Anything but a song!|Anything but a song!]]
|-
| 07 || ESGAROTH || [[#Market Values|Market Values]]
|-
| 12 || BY THE LONG LAKE || [[#Use the Reamer, Dorn|Use the Reamer, Dorn]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#How Big Can You Get?|How Big Can You Get?]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#Taking Shelter in the Armor Shop|Taking Shelter in the Armor Shop]]
|-
| 14 || ESGAROTH || [[#Private research?|Private research?]]
|-
| 18 || ESGAROTH || [[#Heroes in song!|Heroes in song!]]
|-
| 19 || DALE-LANDS || [[#Recruitment Posters|Recruitment Posters]]
|-
| 21 || ESGAROTH || [[#King of the Hill|King of the Hill]]
|-
| 21 || ESGAROTH || [[#Not drowning but fishing|Not drowning but fishing]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#An Unexpected Encounter|An Unexpected Encounter]]
|-
| 27 || ESGAROTH || [[#Like father, like son|Like father, like son]]
|-
| 30 || ESGAROTH || [[#A question of loyalty|A question of loyalty]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=A flaming finale
|author=Brev
|dateposted=05 March 2013
|postbody=In the dead of night, the orcish camp was rudely disturbed by a most untoward sight: a horse at full gallop dragging their War-Drummer SHAVYAK behind it, his foot still caught in the stirrup. The scout RUHKET was quick to take control of the horse and release her unhappy comrade, but the damage had been done, for following hot on Shavyak's heels were the Bardings (both cavalry and footsoldiers) and their Dwarven allies. The orcs leapt into action under Zonk the Foul's direction and battle was joined!

The cavalry split in attempt to encircle the orcish camp, but Isengard's wargs and their riders (long kept hidden) leapt forth to engage them with tooth and claw. Meanwhile a contingent on foot led by Dale-lands' Lieutenant HRODWYN pressed forward despite the hail of arrows loosed by the goblin scout VRUTHA and other archers. Yet within the trees lurked an unknown menace: the Mordain troll GROX stepped forth and roared a challenge into the night. None seemed overkeen to answer, but Dale-lander BREV chose to gamble his fleetness of foot against the beast's hulking strength: indeed, he managed to keep it distracted at only minor cost to himself until with the arrival of a contingent of Dwarves the creature lost interest and disappeared whence it had come.

The Blue Mountains Dwarf NELETH was thwarted in his attempt to find and slay the orcish archer who had taunted him in a previous engagement, for not one but two of Rukhet's barbs sank deep into tough Khazad flesh. Hrodwyn, meanwhile, had engaged Shavyak in what became a battle of shields as much as swords. Then Zonk the foul unleashed his masterpiece - a fiery barrier in the shape of a flaming cross, lit by the arrows of Vrutha and his fellows. Confusion ensued, and in the end the bulk of the orcish forces were able to slip away. One of them (Rukhet), was last seen tracking ... a horse? Will her ambitions to become a rider succeed? Only time and RP will tell.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Better out than in..
|author=Brev
|dateposted=06 March 2013
|postbody=The aftermath of a battle is always messy. Persistent rain damped down the smouldering fires on the marges of Mirkwood, while in Iach Celduin the hurts of war were tended in the healers' tents. Not least among the wounds were those of the dwarf NELETH, whose loud curses as two younger assistants tried to get his mail off drew the attention of that foreign sawbones BREV. A wiser man would have let Dwarf tend to Dwarf - but no, he had to interfere, extracting one of the embedded arrows in typically barbaric manner. I'm telling you, he's lucky he didn't receive a strangling for his handiwork! I saw Neleth's two Dwarven companions hanging on for dear life to stop the injured Ambassador landing a punch. I hope there's not a diplomatic incident a-brewing ...

HRODWYN, meanwhile, had been cleaned up in rather more gentle fashion by one of Esgaroth's apprentice healers. Almost, the Lieutenant escaped the sawbones' ministrations, but then he overheard the girl mentioning stitches and took over that job. At least he was quick ... what's it they say, no pain no gain?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Anything but a song!
|author=Bardur
|dateposted=06 March 2013
|postbody=Another of those damp, dismal days was drawing to a close and BARDUR was sitting under a tarpaulin, bemoaning that it was impossible to tune his instrument in this weather, when BALDRUIN's wagon rolled in. The old Blue Mountains Dwarven ale-merchant didn't seem to know much about recent orcish encounters but did break out a couple of mugs of his famed ale in exchange for news. Bardur, perhaps emboldened by his first sips of the heady brew, chose to deliver this in verse. One verse and Baldruin had heard enough! Talk swiftly turned to other matters such as Baldruin's business prospects (after all, all those Men need to drink /something/, right?) His first mug downed, Bardur was seen wandering toward the bushes at the edge of camp looking decidedly fuddled. Must be good stuff, that ale! Wonder if I could wangle some?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Market Values
|author=Brev
|dateposted=07 March 2013
|postbody=These are troubled times we live in. We all knew there was some brouhaha down south, but did you know that a roving band of goblins made it most of the way to Laketown and burned down a farm? The garrison at Thrush Hill made short work of them, but what if there are more? We might all be murdered in our beds! No wonder folk are going round town with faces like a wet weekend.

It's led to a gap in the market where fresh foodstuffs are concerned, what with farmers decamping into town and being too scared to go back to their fields. Long-term effects too, I shouldn't wonder. Lord CAURE Arathmor certainly seemed to think so, he was in the Market Square the other day questioning all the produce sellers and making notes on a bit of parchment. Young LOUSE was hanging around pretending to keep an eye on things - you know those Greenshirts! - and she challenged him about it, heard him say something about 'selling trends'. Then Lady ISOBEL Taurdain arrived on the scene (looking somewhat worried, I must say) and Caure turned his attention to her instead. He was wanting something from the archives, I heard ... something old, from what I could make out, but he was leery of saying more.

Caure gave Louse a silver before he left. Yes, you heard right, an Arathmor giving away coin! Isobel looked truly shocked - or perhaps that was due to the nature of Caure's request to her. Don't know exactly what he was after, but he definitely said something about 'closed doors'. Sounds fishy to me! Something else fishy was the fact that Louse handed that silver coin straight to Isobel. Just what sort of hold does the Lady of Taurdain have on the girl? Maybe it's time someone found out.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Use the Reamer, Dorn
|author=Dorn
|dateposted=12 March 2013
|postbody=On our way back to Laketown, I saw the odd fellow BREV - he's not from around here, is he? What with how he speaks and how he wields those silly tiny butterknives - trying to shave by the lake in the cover of the soon arriving night. But he was hurt, stabbed in the back or something, and so the dwarven Warder Scout DORN asked him if he would like him to watch his back while he's doing that painful-looking ritual. I thought it was kind of nice of him to offer, seeing as dwarves don't really know the meaning of 'shaving' themselves. Maybe he does and that's why the two got along so well? There was talk of the dwarven ambassador - not sure who that is -, the daggers and working the wood. Another thing dwarves are not very known for! Well, the man told Dorn to use something called the reamer and that some time he'd show the dwarf what he meant by it. I didn't catch what the Warder was trying to carve but it couldn't have been pretty. A wooden shaving knife, perhaps?! Ha ha ha. Geddit? Hahahaha. Oh, nevermind, you're hopeless!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=How Big Can You Get?
|author=Riordan
|dateposted=12 March 2013
|postbody=The residents and servants of the Girion Place report an odd occurrence among their ranks - a completely peaceful and happy pregnant woman! While we investigated the rumours, we interro--- conversed with one of the maids who said that even though Missus AILITH(Cer) has been working in the Infirmary at the Underdecks a lot, even she can't keep up with that place what with being so far along and all. Even her husband, ALGER, said so and told her in no uncertain terms that her days there were numbered if not over for the time being. Brave words for someone who has to sleep next to that woman... *shudder* Anyway, we continued our enquiries with the chef who told us that ever the dutiful husband Alger had fetched her a nice platter of meat and cheese in the middle of the night! They reportedly sat at the visitor area, chatting. About the fighting in the south, Alger's time off the army - see, even the King wouldn't dare keep him from the healer! - and finding someone to step up and tend to the Infirmary until the carpenter Brev would return and see to it again. It better be soon or the Girion lady's going to have her child right there! Well, it would be fitting, I suppose. And she wouldn't mind...

In other news, the one-legged fisherman Jaibir does not have the plague! Phew! He does have a bad case of itching red rash but that could have come from any of the ladies at the Fishtale.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Taking Shelter in the Armor Shop
|author=Hrodwyn
|dateposted=12 March 2013
|postbody=Sometimes, it is surprising how events turn out.

During a nasty thunderstorm, the dwarf BARDUR and the Dale-Landers RIOLAN (played by ISOBEL), ISOBEL, and HRODWYN all found themselves taking shelter inside the Esgaroth's Armour Shoppe. Hrodwyn, who after carrying out some business in the shop, was unable to leave due to the storm began the interactions among this motley crew by telling Riolan to stop playing with his sword's scabbard, informing the browsing Bardur that Dale armor was liable to be inferior to dwarven armor, and telling the inquiring Isobel that the armor Master Halgan was out with illness that day. Perhaps her mood was influenced by the fact that the Lieutenant of the King's Men was wearing a forest green dress rather than military attire?

Despite this inauspicious start, things took a turn for the better. Riolan and Bardur began to discuss dwarven-made arms as gift for Riolan's father while Isobel and Hrodwyn exchanged introductions.

But once the words "Hrodwyn of Karath" had been pronounced, attention was drawn to that soldier's recent exploits, and despite demurring on her part, Bardur, a skald, began to compose lines to tell of her deeds:

<pre>
"Wrathful Hrodwyn, bright blade wielding
Faced the foul-spawned filth unyielding ...
Turned back troll, and goblin foe
Sent them shrieking, scattered woe."
</pre>

And so, what started out sourly, turned out just fine.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Private research?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=14 March 2013
|postbody=There I was in the library the other afternoon, minding my own business (well, all right, I might have dozed off, but you try making copies mouldering old title deeds and see where it gets you!) when in came Lord CAURE of Arathmor. Lady ISOBEL Taurdain stepped forward to deal with him, and I must say he was delighted to see her. So gratifying when someone takes an interest in scholars ... anyway, where was I? He wasted no time in asking for records of battles fought in and around Esgaroth. Funny, the things that some folk take into their heads. Master BREV thought it was strange too, almost as soon as he stepped in the door he and Caure were at odds - though maybe that's not so strange? Arathmor aren't known for their love of commoners and Brev's never been one for the formalities.

Isobel produced some old documents for Caure to read and then she and Brev went off behind the bookcases at the other side of the room to discuss something in whispers (I'm pretty sure I heard the word 'Karath', plus something about armour?). They took a good long time about it, too, I must say ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Heroes in song!
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=18 March 2013
|postbody=A new work by Dwarven Skald BARDUR son of Mardur received its inaugural performance in the Fiery Flagon last night. A rainy evening ensured that the tavern was filled to the brim and likely to stay that way however painful the singer's voice (well, within certain limits of course!). After an initial dispute on the manner of the performance (Bardur refused to mount a table, claiming it beneath his dignity!) space was cleared for the Dwarf and his viol and the music began: deep-throated singing of the Dwarves to a slow, steady drum-beat, interspersed with showy variations from the viol. Its subject matter? Why, that would be 'living legends'.

Among those there to listen were a Taurdain trio: Lady ISOBEL and Masters LOREN and BREV (the latter two uncouth fellows seemed disposed to banter and the Lady had to hush them as the song began) and various groups of Karath, one including young RIOLAN (did you hear about him in the Flagon the other day? No? Well, I'll not spoil the tale for you). Isobel revealed her sheltered upbringing as she expressed awed surprise at the mighty deeds of 'bear-strong Bernar'. A verse in Hrodwyn's favour brought a ragged cheer from the younger Karath contingent; praise of Dorn, Neleth and Ganon elicited quieter approval in the form of nods and wagging beards from those Dwarves present. One verse, however, appeared to cause consternation as the revelation that Brev had 'taunted troll' turned Isobel's gaze to ice and left the dun-skinned sawbones muttering red-faced about 'poetic licence'. Just as well there were more verses to follow to divert attention: praising Wray, Arzi and Gerik.

Bardur's song ended with an exortation to
<pre>
"Hearken, hear now, hold them true:
Heroes all - high praise is due!"
</pre>
Audience acclaim led to more than a few ales being sent the Skald's way, and vicious rumour has it he was to be seen outside the Dwarven embassy at the crack of dawn serenading his kin with an instrument cunningly constructed from a Flagon bar stool and played with a 'bow' formed by his own beard ... No wonder the Dwarven caravan didn't depart for Erebor until almost noon!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Recruitment Posters
|author=Riordan
|dateposted=19 March 2013
|postbody=Neatly written posters bearing the seal of the Royal Wardens are posted all over the Kingdom, in every settlement big enough to have more than their share of strong armed capable fighters. It reads as follows:

"The Royal Wardens are recruiting!

Are you a skilled fighter, capable negotiator and undaunted in the face of danger? Do you wish to defend your homeland against any and all threats? Does traveling all over the kingdom, seeing new unknown places and helping your King at the same time sound appealing to you?

If so then the Royal Wardens may be just the faction for you! We are the proud defenders, hardy scouts and wily negotiators! With sufficient pay, good equipment and never a dull moment, this job is not for the seekers of fortunes though, unprepared for the evils of this world. Every applicant will be tested in the strength of his/her arm and skills and will also have to pass a trial period of one month during which comforts are few and danger constant. Upon acceptance, the Warden will enter the service to his/her King immediately. While folk with few family ties are preferred, the Royal Wardens will see to the families of their servicemen and -women should it become necessary during dark times.

To apply, seek out High Warden Riordan Karath in Esgaroth or speak to any Royal Wardens outside Laketown for directions.

Riordan Karath,

Master of the Royal Wardens"
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=King of the Hill
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=21 March 2013
|postbody=Cor, Master RIORDAN certainly kept busy yesterday! Maybe it's because he is trying to forget that his son's shenanigans in the Flagon ever happened (haven't you heard? Young Riolan and his friends ran wild in there, dancing on the bar and knocking each other over! And Riolan himself spilled ale all over his father!) or maybe he is a little sadistic and enjoys giving young men a beating - either way the recruits trying out for the Royal Wardens soon realised that there's only one King of the Hill and his name is Riordan Karath! He took on a few eager young bucks and two even passed muster; SIGURD (played by ISOBEL) and ROBB (played by RIORDAN) were so 'lucky' as to be sent to a month's camp with the Wardens... I'll wager that in a few days of that they'll be bawling their eyes out for home!

And the most eager recruit of them all was no buck at all but a doe! LOUSE (played by BREV), that crazy young sprat, she tried to get Master Riordan to fight her but he'd have none of it. For a while there I thought she might charge at him even though he was unarmed! Still, in the end the warden's will prevailed and Louse, looking mighty put out, took it out on the training dummy. Just be glad the poor chap is made out of straw or his balls would be-- oh, pardon Mistress Beate, didnae see you there. E-hrm...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Not drowning but fishing
|author=Brev
|dateposted=21 March 2013
|postbody=Day had faded into evening and the Market Pool should have been quiet when RIOLAN (looking for Master Harmon) and RHEDA (on her way to the Docks) disturbed a couple of Greenshirts poking around with a long pole, seemingly trying to fish something out. I reckon those sprats must have been up to no good, for Riolan's greeting startled them so much that LOUSE fell in! Despite Eirik's panicking (and his insistence that he hadn't /meant/ to drown his companion), neither adult seemed overinclined to help. Fortunately it appears that Louse has learned to swim during the past summer or two, for the girl made it to the edge unassisted, babbling all the while about some box she'd found. Against his better judgement Riolan was prevailed on to locate a bit of rope and then the two youngsters pulled it up.

Mistress Rheda didn't stay around to see what it was - maybe she knew something the rest of them didn't. How I laughed when they dragged that crate out! On its lid, plain as day, was stamped 'D R I E D F I S H'. Eirik cut his losses at that point but Louse braved Riolan's scorn to lever up the lid. Wish she hadn't ... that stench was enough to turn even a tanner's stomach. Seemed she was searching for money; she started muttering something ungrateful-sounding about folk who have a 'Igh-Up Pa' to buy them a fancy sword. I'm surprised Riolan didn't deck her one, given we all know who /his/ father is, but then I suppose it's beneath a good upstanding Karath like him to hit a girl. He sauntered off and Louse left soon after ... but that stink's hanging around. If I were you, I'd be /very/ careful what crates you shift.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=An Unexpected Encounter
|author=Hrodwyn
|dateposted=23 March 2013
|postbody=In the gossip mill:

"I saw that Lieutenant HRODWYN of Karath speaking with what's his name...y'know, that "son" of Leona of Karath. Yeah, that's it -- HROLF. Well, they're both Karath, now that I think about it. So they're cousins. Strange, that thought, the one a success and the other...well, you know the story.

In any case, /they/ were talking in the Market Square. I saw 'em myself! Heard something about that Hrolf wanting to join the Royal Wardens. Wouldcha believe that? Maybe they'll take anyone now that they're desperate.

Not only that, but it seemed that Hrodwyn...well, Lieutenant Hrodwyn you know, was trying to tell him to consider it carefully. He'd have none of that -- no, I heard he was going to go do it, said something about being alone anyways. /That/ much I can believe."
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Like father, like son
|author=Riordan
|dateposted=27 March 2013
|postbody=Riordan looks up from his cup of ale and shrugs. "I was just going to check the yard for new Warden recruits. There were none there, just Riolan and he assured me he had no such ambitions. But he was standing there with his sword staring at the training dummy so I assumed..."

The young man cuts in there:"He assumed I wanted to do that fighting thing! Well, I don't! I don't need another reason to mope about because everyone say I should grasp things from thin air like da does since I'm his son. But I don't! And I don't wanna!"

Covering his eyes with his palm for a moment, Riordan suppresses an exasperated sigh and glances at the gossiper with a small smirk:"Look, I don't know where you all get that he should be immediately great at fighting or even want to fight everything in sight. Just because the boy's Karath and my son, doesn't mean he has to be the rolemodel of Karath House. He's only been with me for a little while now!"

Riolan looks like he wants to say something but he decides to mope instead, giving everyone around him a haunted emotional wreck stare.

"He's a boat builder! A good one at that, too. And I'm proud of him for that and whatever else he does," Riordan says then and takes another sip of his ale - looks like he needs it badly! "In time, if he so wishes, he can train how to fight. He hasn't gone through the House Karath's 'Practice from early age till you die of feebleness' program yet. Give him a break."

Now the son pipes up again, maybe forgetting just a tiny bit that indeed he was moping at everyone - but especially dad. "I hit the dummy later! Several times! It was a wreck later! Da says I could get good at anything if I train."

Riordan merely nods and the evening moves on without an incident. Now tell me, dear reader, am I the only one who is expecting to find out any day now that the High Warden Riordan Karath kicked a puppy while drunk and disorderly, picked a fight and told a well-respected lady that she was a <female dog in heat>? Because no one can be this nice, clean, patient and wonderful! It's impossible. I just hope Riolan takes after him, inherits the old man's money and marries my daughter.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A question of loyalty
|author=Brev
|dateposted=30 March 2013
|postbody=It was the hour past midnight and youngsters should long since have found their beds, but I heard young LOUSE talking to Lord LORTHRAIN on the edge of the Market Square last night as the Flagon was emptying. Once they'd established that, no, the Girion Lord was not in need of assistance and not 'gonner puke' and that Louse was no kin of Tristan's (bet Lord Jamis is mighty glad about that!), talk turned to matters of loyalty, more specifically loyalty to the King. Lorthrain seemed keen to divine the motives behind Louse's glibly professed allegiance - whether the lass's explanation that "yer gotter be loyal ter th'King ter be a sodjer" pleased him, who can say? At least it brought a smile to his lips and an offer to answer any questions about the head of House Girion. Sadly we never got to hear "'ow long 'is sword is", for Louse made mention of Lady Isobel and promptly received a lecture on gossip instead. At that point the young Greenshirt disappeared as swiftly as she'd arrived.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-02

2014-11-21T08:11:34Z

Barz:

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 02 || ESGAROTH || [[#Rose-tinted glasses?|Rose-tinted glasses?]]
|-
| 04 || IACH CELDUIN || [[#Where the wolf howls, the orc prowls!|Where the wolf howls, the orc prowls!]]
|-
| 04 || ESGAROTH || [[#Arathmor Statement|Arathmor Statement]]
|-
| 05 || ESGAROTH || [[#Letting things slide|Letting things slide]]
|-
| 06 || ESGAROTH || [[#Does absence make the heart grow fonder?|Does absence make the heart grow fonder?]]
|-
| 08 || LONDAROTH || [[#Mist, mud and Menfolk|Mist, mud and Menfolk]]
|-
| 10 || BY THE CELDUIN || [[#A Skirmish at Night|A Skirmish at Night]]
|-
| 10 || ROLLING DALES || [[#Dinner!!|Dinner!!]]
|-
| 12 || IACH CELDUIN || [[#Smoke in the water|Smoke in the water]]
|-
| 14 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Pot Crack'd from Side to Side|The Pot Crack'd from Side to Side]]
|-
| 15 || ROLLING DALES || [[#Beards, Hammers and Tricks|Beards, Hammers and Tricks]]
|-
| 15 || ESGAROTH || [[#A Cold Caller|A Cold Caller]]
|-
| 16 || ROLLING DALES || [[#A venomous discovery|A venomous discovery]]
|-
| 18 || ROLLING DALES || [[#A lesson in stealth|A lesson in stealth]]
|-
| 19 || IACH CELDUIN || [[#Fighting fit?|Fighting fit?]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#Just an accident?|Just an accident?]]
|-
| 24 || ESGAROTH || [[#In sickness and in 'elf|In sickness and in 'elf]]
|-
| 26 || ROLLING DALES || [[#It's a bird! No, it's an orc!|It's a bird! No, it's an orc!]]
|-
| 28 || ROLLING DALES || [[#Bonfire party|Bonfire party]]
|-

|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Rose-tinted glasses?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=02 February 2013
|postbody=Mistress ELLINOR Taurdain is never short of a trick or two when it comes to soliciting custom. Why, the other day I saw her persuading Master BREV to take a look at some of her wares when I could see fine well he was only looking for Lady ISOBEL. He declined to look at trinkets, but did agree to buy a tinted glass flask for infirmary use. She'd have had him pay over the odds for it, too - the fellow only made a half-hearted attempt at bargaining - if Lady Isobel hadn't appeared in person at that point. Of course, then the glassblower became all smiles and changed her price. Wonder if the Heir of Taurdain was taken in? Seems to me she was only interested in Brev. Ugh! If they're going to gaze at each other all dewy-eyed like that, can't they do it somewhere I don't have to watch?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Where the wolf howls, the orc prowls!
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=04 February 2013
|postbody=During a routine dusk patrol across the bridge to the west of Iach Celduin, to the forest lying some miles east of Mirkwood, Lord BERNAR Karath's mixed company found the hiding spot occupied by the larger variety of orc that have occasionally plagued Dale's southwest.

The enemy announced itself with an arrow to Lord Karath's shoulder, which was answered by a cavalry charge and followed up by Captain CELYS of Taurdain's Esgaroth Watchmen. Lieutenant HRODWYN of Karath's rear guard prevented either from being flanked. Though many of the Watchmen and, indeed, the younger troops from Thrush Hill, as well, had never seen battle, they comported themselves with discipline and valor in the face of orcs (SHAVYAK), wargs and warg-ridden archers.

The only mystery is why there were not more of them... and their ultimate destination. The force withdrew in good order rather than engage an unknown number of wargs by night. Time will tell what scouts will find by day.

The swiftest boats from Iach Celduin were dispatched to Laketown immediately with the garrison's report and a request for the trade capital of the Realm to dispatch healers soon, now that the training exercise seems to have become a prelude to war.

}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Arathmor Statement
|author=Kanyaria
|dateposted=04 February 2013
|postbody=Earlier today, the head of house Arathmor, KANYARIA, released the following statement in regards to the death of Lord Roskar:

"It is with a great sadness upon our House that the news of Lord Roskar's arrest and subsequent death have reached us. Despite what the town may have thought, he was a respected member of our household and I ask that the citizens of LakeTown remember us in our time of mourning.

However, it is not without great consequences the events that have led up to the arrest of Lord Roskar. His official charges have been released and most of the town has been made aware of his crimes. The charge of treason and the documents which have been submitted into evidence showing the our Lord was directly responsible for starting the war in Buhr Mahrling has hit the hearts of those of us in ranking positions among Arathmor. As Head of House, I have ordered an audit to be conducted and all injustices steming from the reign of Lord Roskar be brought to trial. Many may be aware that several arrests have already taken place. I assure you I was not aware of these transgressions and going forward I will work to do my best to see that such tragedy and misuse of our power will not be allowed to happen again.

Despite his transgressions, Arathmor is deeply moved by the response to Lord Roskar's death while in jail. We fully support the move to replace our Steward who allowed this to happen to my kinsman before he was given a fair trial. We thank those of you who have rallied for this on our behalf. .

The House Arathmor offers up our sympathies to Buhr Mahrling and will be working in coordination with our contacts there to do whatever possible to right this terrible wrong.

Sincerely,

Kanyaria Arathmor"
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Letting things slide
|author=Brev
|dateposted=05 February 2013
|postbody=Did you see BAN Rhinvan coming back across the Bridge the other morning? He left town all dapper with a fancy red handkerchief sticking out of his pocket, you'd have thought he was off to a business meeting and not just taking a walk with his baby son. But when he returned he was all over mud - oh, and I think the baby had puked down him too - and carrying a lump of muddy cloth that wasn't in his hands before.

Well, I knew there had to be a tale there so I asked one of the stable lads and out it came. He told me he'd seen that young ragamuffin LOUSE larking around, trying to make a snow-slide with her cloak as makeshift toboggan. Snow-slide? Mud-slide more like, in this weather! Apparently she and Master Rhinvan had a near-collision. Well, I'd have thought he'd tear a strip off the girl's hide - you know how he dotes on that infant of his, gets all uppity if you so much as look sidelong at a single hair of the child's head - but no. Louse just handed him her filthy cloak and swanned off without a care in the world. These Decks youngsters have such cheek!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Does absence make the heart grow fonder?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=06 February 2013
|postbody=That was some nasty weather we had a few days back. Sleet, wind ... me, I ducked into the Town Hall to wait it out. Looked like plenty of others had the same idea. That carpenter Master BREV didn't seem to mind it though, he was eager to walk Lady ISOBEL home despite the cold and wet. Don't his bones ache in the damp like normal folks?

The lady must have been suspicious of his motives, I heard her ask if he had something to tell her. She might have been right, because he confessed somewhat reluctantly he'd be 'out of town for a few weeks'. And as the door closed behind them, I'd swear I heard Lady Isobel say something about 'running out'! You don't think he's trying to copy that former wife of his? I tell you, all foreigners are barbarians!

Sure enough, Master Brev hasn't been seen since and that carpentry workshop of his is shut up tight. How the Wharf project and the Infirmary will fare in his absence remains to be seen ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Mist, mud and Menfolk
|author=Bardur
|dateposted=08 February 2013
|postbody=This report comes to us from a Londaroth worthy:

"Those Dwarves are a right queer lot! All grim and grouchy, you'd think we were due for a dragon or something. But at least they help fill up the tavern, right? Wrong! There's this one little fellow with a bit less beard than the rest - DORN I've heard them call him - who hasn't been in to sample the ales once! Stand-offish or what? Makes you wonder, it does ...

"Another one of them, BARDUR, tried to foist his singing on us! Fortunately the Innkeep put him off right quick, we don't want any of that Dwarven caterwauling in these parts. Maybe in Dale they know no better. The Dwarven skald (is that like the proverbial cat?) was a bit miffed though, I heard him grumbling to his teetotal pal about it. So did old Harry, he walked up to the pair of them and I thought there was going to be trouble (we all know Harry's not quite right in the head). But no, they got bored sizing each other up and he wandered off.

"Pity he did, I'll tell you what I saw afterwards: those two pint-size Dwarves hitting each other with sticks. Regular treat it was, better than a puppet show! Shame the short folk are meant to be leaving town soon."
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A Skirmish at Night
|author=Hrodwyn
|dateposted=10 February 2013
|postbody=On a cold night near the beginning of spring, the orcs of Isengard were about in the Dale-Lands, secured in a hide out. Knowing of this invading enemy, a small troop of the King's Men from Dale were scouting the land. When two wagons went barreling down a nearby road, the two forces met -- the orcs first raiding the wagons and the men arriving to counter-attack the orcs.

In this small fray, SHAVYAK of Isengard and Lieutenant HRODWYN of the King's Men, opponents in the past, met once again, meleeing mightily. Shavyak made the better blows in that duel. Still, the orcses retreated quickly, leaving behind exhausted men to retreat.

And luck was with the men that night -- for RUKHET and her band of elite scouts, the Silent Night, had accompanied Shavyak but did not arrive before the bloodshed had abated.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Dinner!!
|author=Shavyak
|dateposted=10 February 2013
|postbody=A winding road follows along the river Celduin throughout Rhovanion. Twin paths that fuel the machines of commerce and draw plundering hands from afar. Many hands. Delving hands. Wicked hands that poured from a hiding hole dug into a hillside when their scouts' horns alerted: a caravan of Dwarves, a force of Dale-Men on horseback. Too much temptation, too much chance of being discovered and one solution to the cave-bred mindset - battle!

With righteous fury the cavalry charged upon the largest visible contingent, BERNAR leading a clash with a masked Uruk-Hai (OXLRIF). The score of foot-soldiers took heavy casualties, but accomplished the orders of their lieutenant and that masked orc: unhorsing many to their end, and the misery of their now captive beasts.

Should an eagle have flown above, the directions of forces mingling and retreating were indeterminable. With the way that the wind favored the Orcs' bowshot, saviors from above would have been welcomed.

RUKHET and DORN found enough taste of each other, and distaste in the result, both escaping the other to fight again another day. AGARACUK and BARDUR found a similar unspoken agreement, the former retreating with his best mates to provide cover fire for the largely victorious orcs while the latter helped lead the dwarven folk on to safety. SAHGIGOTH and ARZI traded bowshots and curses, having enough of each other at length to retreat - Arzi with his kindred, Sahgigoth with an obscene ritual and a solo disappearance amidst the chaos.

Caught in the epicenter of activity, SHAVYAK stood defiantly against the finest dwarven warriors led by NELETH. At half the orc's stature, the dwarf had an advantage swinging up that the mighty brute could not match with his attempts to swing down. Should the battle have continued, Neleth may have gained a mighty trophy in the death of an Uruk-Hai - but with the Orcs gaining the upper hand in the clash the wiser creature removed himself from the scene with his band largely untouched.

Clearly Orcs grow more dangerous, and clearly they are present in troubling numbers in the Dale-Lands currently - but from whence did they come, and where might they appear next? All previous encounters in recent history have been in the midwest areas of this kingdom - do they venture forth to beat upon paths already tread?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Smoke in the water
|author=Brev
|dateposted=12 February 2013
|postbody=A routine night patrol (mounted) sent out from Iach Celduin along the banks of the river came back with some rather odd reports. WRAY (Isobel) spoke of a disturbance at the riverside and a sudden overpowering stench, and how she and two of her comrades gave chase to some unseen beast but lost it in the mirk of the forest. Young HAROLD (Hrodwyn) told, with a quaver in his voice, of a blood-curdling scream that pierced the night and how he selflessly volunteered to escort Wray back to make her report. BREV spoke of hunting on foot for the source of the stench, identifying it eventually as a rotten fish. Quite why he was limping after a situation that involved no combat he wouldn't say (and just who put him on a horse anyway? I know we're short of men after the recent skirmishes, but he sits in the saddle like a sack of potatoes!)

Funny thing was, next day there was this odd smell in the air. Not like rotten eggs, more acrid. And there were a few fish floating belly-up in the water. I didn't think much of it ... but there's one or two folk been caught with the runs or having trouble keeping their dinner down. You don't think it's *lowers voice to a fearful whisper* plague?

Of course, the diminutive Mordain shaman SAHGIGOTH will have quite a different tale to tell to his Isendrim allies, one involving ash of Ered Lithui and a shaman's curse. Is the Eye more powerful than the Hand? RP and find out ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Pot Crack'd from Side to Side
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=14 February 2013
|postbody=Why, that street urchin LOUSE (played by BREV) certainly has a brass neck, and she grows bolder every day! Can you believe what she got up to in the Crafts Hall? She walked into poor Torwin's stall (after getting her grubby fingers all over my soap, that little--) and knocked over a pot - and then she refused to pay for it! There she was, shards at her feet, and she claimed it wasn't her fault. I'm so glad Mistress RHEDA (played by RIORDAN) and Lady ISOBEL interfered - us poor crafters have it hard enough as it is without having to put up with these sort of cheeky little... little... pip-squeaks! Though mark my words, Mistress Rheda had the right of it when she asked Lady Taurdain what good it would do to buy Louse out of trouble... well, next time I see that whelp in here I'm giving her a good spanking! ... Louse, I mean. Not Mistress Rheda or Lady Isobel!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Beards, Hammers and Tricks
|author=Neleth
|dateposted=15 February 2013
|postbody=Flowing from the north, the river Celduin brings many good things to the people of the land - water for crops, fish for meals... this day, however, the river bore witness to yet another battle near its water. Two separate parties. One sent to scout the road. The other; to pillage, raid and burn with no discernible direction. Their meeting was unavoidable, if the stories of the past hold any sway on the present.

The party of well-armed dwarves sent north to scout the road does little to hide themselves, staying between the road and the river as they move north, looking for signs of orcs. There is a hill not far away that blocks from view the party of orcs, moving back westward towards the road, looking for more havoc to reek. GANON the dwarf if the first to spot orcs climbing to the top of that not-so-far-off hill. SHAVYAK, at the top of that hill, begins to serenade his troop with a sort of... war song, one might call it. It he who leads the charge, leaving RUKHET and one other to shoot arrows down at the dwarves. Below, NELETH takes command of his cousins, urging them forward to meet their age-old foe.

When its in yer toothies
will ya get yer brew?
NO MAN NO MAN
CHEW CHEW CHEW!

Shavyak's song end just as the two parties meet, and battle is joined with the swing of his sword at the first dwarf he sees, Ganon. Ganon is not alone, however, and Neleth is able to join in the dismantling of Shavyak. Meanwhile, at the edge of the battle arrows soar from darkened trees at the uruks. Soon, three figures (HORT) wearing the garb of the elves of the wood emerge. Their arrows are aimed at the orcs, and the dwarves have a few moments to be cheered - not yet noticing the fact that those arrows aren't actually hitting their targets.

Two dwarves can be a handful. Shavyak's singing voice might be on higher notes is the future due to his encounter with Ganon. Only seconds after Neleth's blade cuts him deeply, Ganon's war hammer is swung upward at his taller foe's groin. OUCH! To make matters worse, amidst his retreat from the dwarf an arrow, shot at Ganon by the newly wakened and hung-over AGARACUK . The arrow sinks into the uruk's posterior, and he is saved from further damage by the dwarven retreat.

The battle's tides turned quickly, though, as those "elves" turned their arrows upon the bearded folk, and executed one in a gruesome way before cutting his beard off in front of his comrades. Anger would have led the dwarves to chase those imposters, but with arrows now coming from the woods, and two of their number dead, Neleth calls for a retreat - something many of the dwarves find hard to do. They obey, however, and the field is abandoned by the dwarves.

}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A Cold Caller
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=15 February 2013
|postbody=Wonder if Master Brev has given his betrothed permission to snoop around in his home when he's not there? Lady ISOBEL visited the Business Parade the other day and that young man who is staying with the carpenter let her in. He's a shy one but I think I've heard him being called GIDON? Anyway, she didn't stay long but then again her host isn't the chattiest of folks I've found. I peeked in through a window (on Master Brev's account, mind! We carpenters need to look out for one another, and he had awfully bad luck with his /last/ wife so...) and I saw the lady hand Gidon a package of some sort? No clue what was in it. If you want to know, ask him! ... and watch him give you a one-syllable answer ere running off.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A venomous discovery
|author=Sahgigoth
|dateposted=16 February 2013
|postbody=As night fell in the rolling dales near Iach Celduin, SAHGIGOTH, Uruk shaman-corruptor of Barad-dur, after his recent river poisoning attempt against the folk of the Dale, performed another fell ritual in the forest of the valley, in order to resupply itself with yet more poison. Armed with treachery and cowardice, under the glum forest's cover, its vile intent being to despoil and defile, it managed to complete the ritual of poisoning, by using the entrails of forest animals and turning them into a venomous sludge.

But its corrupting ways were discovered by the Khazad GANON, Warder of Ered-Luin. The brave Dwarf valiantly decided to take matters into his own hands and bravely attempted to set things straight right away, without sharing the discovery with his Khazad peers camping nearby, after the latest skirmish with the Isendrim Uruks.

Khazad warhammer met rusty Uruk battle-axe in a spirited, fiery combat, where hatred and fury left skill and tactics aside. Soon, blood flowed and SAHGIGOTH, despite its frail appearance managed to score some wounds against the stout Khazad. GANON finally alerted his peers as to his discovery, as a mocking, taunting SAHGIGOTH fled deeper into the recesses of the valley's forest, leaving behind it a despoiled forest clearing and its pursuers.

What plans next the treacherous Uruk SAHGIGOTH? How will GANON and the Dwarves handle this venomous discovery? Is this a organised, coordinnated attack on the Dale, arranged in prior by the various Uruk factions present or is it an isolated incident? RP and find out!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A lesson in stealth
|author=Bardur
|dateposted=18 February 2013
|postbody=In the hour before dawn, the rolling hills and dark thickets of the lands bordering the Celduin were once more witness to spilled blood. It began with two dwarves, Skorri (NPC) and BARDUR, who were abroad before the sun had risen in order to spy out the lie of the land and locate the orcish group (and for Skorri to impart his wisdom to the young and inexperienced Skald, who was rather less than total in his stealth). They got more than they bargained for when a thicket that promised 'cover' proved to hold the Mordain shaman SAHGIGOTH; he and Skorri took turns hacking branches to bits until a lucky swing of Skorri's found orcish flesh and the shaman wriggled back into the bushes out of easy reach.

Bardur, meanwhile, had thrown himself flat to avoid AGARACUK's arrow; he spent a fair bit of time wriggling about in the mud before he realized he'd never find the archer and stood up to 'assist' his comrade. In actual fact the inexperienced Skald was more of a hindrance. Not only did Agaracuk have two clear targets now, but when outbursts of drumming from more than one direction ('an army!' claimed the wide-eyed Skald, 'two or three,' muttered Skorri) heralded the approach of more goblins Bardur darted forward into bowshot range to engage SHAVYAK, leaving his more heavily armoured companion to lumber after and become the target of not one but two well-placed arrow. War drummer and Skald exchanged a couple of rounds of middling blows and less-than-middling poetry, but in the end Skorri's plight recalled Bardur to the danger they were in and as the light grew the two scouts very sensibly chose to 'report back' at high speed. Others, of course, might claim they fled.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Fighting fit?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=19 February 2013
|postbody=A clear, bright dawn saw many in the camp of Men at Iach Celduin up and about, with some seeking release from the healers' authority and others simply breakfast - though the uptake on that has been rather lacking of late. Lord GERIK was after both: he asked to return to duty despite a half-healed wrist that's surely not fit for swordplay. Worryingly, BREV actually let him. Perhaps that's down to the number of folk like WRAY, who approached the healer's tent looking as grey as the powder Brev sent her off with (she beat a frighteningly hasty retreat towards the nearest bushes!) How are we going to drive out those orcs with half the army hopping off their horses at every bit of shrubbery?

When Lord BERNAR demanded similar clearance the sawbones seemed inclined to balk, even going so far as to say - well, I shouldn't repeat it. But I'm telling you you'd not catch /me/ provoking our Lord like that! Gratitude for healing of one's kin only goes so far. However, then he must have relented because he disappeared into the tent for a bit and came out with a support for Bernar's healing ribs. I'd hung around because Lord Bernar and Lord Gerik were discussing tactics, reckoned I might find out what garbage they plan to dump on us. The word 'Dwarves' came up again and again, and I also heard talk of 'coordination'. I reckon there might have been a messenger or two sent out... Didn't hear more because Brev pushed past me on his way somewhere. The edge of camp, from what I could see. Here, you don't think he's indisposed too? No wonder there's so many folk queasy! Sick folk should have the decency to stay away from the healthy, that's what I say.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Just an accident?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=23 February 2013
|postbody=It's rare to see Lady ISOBEL Taurdain in the Underdecks Infirmary, but she came in the other afternoon - whether to check up on the place in Brev's absence or to have a cosy chat with AILITH of Girion I don't know. Mind you, I'd as soon chat with a dragon! She doesn't mince her words, does Lady Ailith, especially now that she's .. well, rounder (don't, whatever you do, mention the word 'fat'!). She even has her father Lord Prius under her thumb; he was there too, hovering around and getting in the way while she did her work.

And work there was: that young tearaway LOUSE came in (well, some pal more-or-less dragged her) looking a right mess. What had happened Louse wasn't saying and the other lad did a runner before Lady Isobel could question him, leaving Ailith to patch the hobbling youngster up. She'll be off that ankle for a week or two, I reckon.

Isobel seemed inclined to take the girl's mumblings about lost money as evidence of a gambling debt, but Ailith had other ideas. Of course, Lady Isobel's led a sheltered life, while Ailith's seen enough down here to put two and two together. Sometimes you forget she's a Girion - why with that vocabulary she might almost be one of us!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=In sickness and in 'elf
|author=Brev
|dateposted=24 February 2013
|postbody=Did you know there's another Elf in town? Tall, thin, dark hair and fair of face ... well, they all are. No, I wasn't staring! Spotted this one in the Market Square the other evening - that young nuisance LOUSE was causing a blockage in the road. You just have to laugh at that girl and her broomstick crutch she's been using to get about on her poorly ankle! The Elf didn't laugh, though - instead she picked up something the girl had dropped and Louse muttered something grudging that I hope was a 'thankyou'. They exchanged names then - the Elf's sounded something like Leer-hen (LYRWEN) to me - and the Elf said something about hunting and tracking. Louse looked interested but when no tales of goblin- and spider-slaying were forthcoming the girl gave up and hobbled off.

Hunter and tracker, hmm? I'm sure there's a use for that ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=It's a bird! No, it's an orc!
|author=Dorn
|dateposted=26 February 2013
|postbody=The orcs are still around. The two dwarves scouting the area around their camp - DORN and BARDUR - found that out by following the noises of cursing in black speech, huffing, puffing and pools of black blood in the mud by the river. It was SAHGIGOTH, trying to get away from the open area or maybe just trying to get some distance between himself and the dwarves, humans and who knows what else being after his tail! While Dorn, a scout of some experience, remained quiet as he prepared his bow for a shot, Bardur called out quite excitedly as he was fussing with his own bow but oddly enough, pointed his arrow somewhere completely different than the scout. Well, both released their arrows at the orc but neither of them hit - it was getting dark! It's not their fault! Dorn hit a rock and Bardur shot at a tree not even close to the Uruk, managing to rouse up a few deers. Sahgigoth scooted though and after a momentary consideration, Dorn took after him to see if there was an orc camp in that direction while Bardur was sent to warn the others of the dwarven caravan that orcs were still stalking the area.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Bonfire party
|author=Brev
|dateposted=28 February 2013
|postbody=
In the dark of the night,
The fires burn bright
As orc-kind plan
Their doom for Man ...

Nigh on a hundred orcs must have been gathered there as Zonk the Foul praised his troops and declared his intent to curse the heart of the Northmen's lands. A volunteer he had - SHAVYAK - yet his ceremonies were interrupted by the arrival of unwelcome guests: an alliance of Barding horsemen and doughty Dwarven footsoldiers. The scout RUKHET moved nimbly forward to harrass the interlopers; Shavyak and his Wolf squad stepped up to the fight then, buying the High Hag SSAMORI time to evacuate the walking wounded to safety (the remainder she despatched in person and with honour; the bonds binding Sharku's troops are deep).

Amongst the horsemen, one rider stood out as less competent and perhaps Shavyak thought to find BREV easy prey. Once unhorsed, however, the man proved fleet of foot as any forest lynx and his spear had a nasty sting into the bargain. NELETH, meanwhile, grew angered enough by Rukhet's arrows (though none found its mark in his tough Dwarven flesh) that he stomped off into the brush to seek her.

In the end it was the Free Peoples who had the upper hand, though not without their own losses. With many of Shavyak's squad already corpses, the big orc and his remaining fellows retreated under cover of shouting and confusion to rejoin the remainder of their kind, heading ... where?

Perhaps time and RP will tell.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-02

2014-11-20T23:31:05Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 02 || ESGAROTH || [[#Rose-tinted glasses?|Rose-tinted glasses?]]
|-
| 04 || IACH CELDUIN || [[#Where the wolf howls, the orc prowls!|Where the wolf howls, the orc prowls!]]
|-
| 04 || ESGAROTH || [[#Arathmor Statement|Arathmor Statement]]
|-
| 05 || ESGAROTH || [[#Letting things slide|Letting things slide]]
|-
| 06 || ESGAROTH || [[#Does absence make the heart grow fonder?|Does absence make the heart grow fonder?]]
|-
| 08 || LONDAROTH || [[#Mist, mud and Menfolk|Mist, mud and Menfolk]]
|-
| 10 || BY THE CELDUIN || [[#A Skirmish at Night|A Skirmish at Night]]
|-
| 10 || ROLLING DALES || [[#Dinner!!|Dinner!!]]
|-
| 12 || IACH CELDUIN || [[#Smoke in the water|Smoke in the water]]
|-
| 14 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Pot Crack'd from Side to Side|The Pot Crack'd from Side to Side]]
|-
| 15 || ROLLING DALES || [[#Beards, Hammers and Tricks|Beards, Hammers and Tricks]]
|-
| 15 || ESGAROTH || [[#A Cold Caller|A Cold Caller]]
|-
| 16 || ROLLING DALES || [[#A venomous discovery|A venomous discovery]]
|-
| 18 || ROLLING DALES || [[#A lesson in stealth|A lesson in stealth]]
|-
| 19 || IACH CELDUIN || [[#Fighting fit?|Fighting fit?]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#Just an accident?|Just an accident?]]
|-
| 24 || ESGAROTH || [[#In sickness and in 'elf|In sickness and in 'elf]]
|-
| 26 || ROLLING DALES || [[#It's a bird! No, it's an orc!|It's a bird! No, it's an orc!]]
|-
| 28 || ROLLING DALES || [[#Bonfire party|Bonfire party]]
|-

|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Rose-tinted glasses?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=02 February 2014
|postbody=Mistress ELLINOR Taurdain is never short of a trick or two when it comes to soliciting custom. Why, the other day I saw her persuading Master BREV to take a look at some of her wares when I could see fine well he was only looking for Lady ISOBEL. He declined to look at trinkets, but did agree to buy a tinted glass flask for infirmary use. She'd have had him pay over the odds for it, too - the fellow only made a half-hearted attempt at bargaining - if Lady Isobel hadn't appeared in person at that point. Of course, then the glassblower became all smiles and changed her price. Wonder if the Heir of Taurdain was taken in? Seems to me she was only interested in Brev. Ugh! If they're going to gaze at each other all dewy-eyed like that, can't they do it somewhere I don't have to watch?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Where the wolf howls, the orc prowls!
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=04 February 2014
|postbody=During a routine dusk patrol across the bridge to the west of Iach Celduin, to the forest lying some miles east of Mirkwood, Lord BERNAR Karath's mixed company found the hiding spot occupied by the larger variety of orc that have occasionally plagued Dale's southwest.

The enemy announced itself with an arrow to Lord Karath's shoulder, which was answered by a cavalry charge and followed up by Captain CELYS of Taurdain's Esgaroth Watchmen. Lieutenant HRODWYN of Karath's rear guard prevented either from being flanked. Though many of the Watchmen and, indeed, the younger troops from Thrush Hill, as well, had never seen battle, they comported themselves with discipline and valor in the face of orcs (SHAVYAK), wargs and warg-ridden archers.

The only mystery is why there were not more of them... and their ultimate destination. The force withdrew in good order rather than engage an unknown number of wargs by night. Time will tell what scouts will find by day.

The swiftest boats from Iach Celduin were dispatched to Laketown immediately with the garrison's report and a request for the trade capital of the Realm to dispatch healers soon, now that the training exercise seems to have become a prelude to war.

}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Arathmor Statement
|author=Kanyaria
|dateposted=04 February 2014
|postbody=Earlier today, the head of house Arathmor, KANYARIA, released the following statement in regards to the death of Lord Roskar:

"It is with a great sadness upon our House that the news of Lord Roskar's arrest and subsequent death have reached us. Despite what the town may have thought, he was a respected member of our household and I ask that the citizens of LakeTown remember us in our time of mourning.

However, it is not without great consequences the events that have led up to the arrest of Lord Roskar. His official charges have been released and most of the town has been made aware of his crimes. The charge of treason and the documents which have been submitted into evidence showing the our Lord was directly responsible for starting the war in Buhr Mahrling has hit the hearts of those of us in ranking positions among Arathmor. As Head of House, I have ordered an audit to be conducted and all injustices steming from the reign of Lord Roskar be brought to trial. Many may be aware that several arrests have already taken place. I assure you I was not aware of these transgressions and going forward I will work to do my best to see that such tragedy and misuse of our power will not be allowed to happen again.

Despite his transgressions, Arathmor is deeply moved by the response to Lord Roskar's death while in jail. We fully support the move to replace our Steward who allowed this to happen to my kinsman before he was given a fair trial. We thank those of you who have rallied for this on our behalf. .

The House Arathmor offers up our sympathies to Buhr Mahrling and will be working in coordination with our contacts there to do whatever possible to right this terrible wrong.

Sincerely,

Kanyaria Arathmor"
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Letting things slide
|author=Brev
|dateposted=05 February 2014
|postbody=Did you see BAN Rhinvan coming back across the Bridge the other morning? He left town all dapper with a fancy red handkerchief sticking out of his pocket, you'd have thought he was off to a business meeting and not just taking a walk with his baby son. But when he returned he was all over mud - oh, and I think the baby had puked down him too - and carrying a lump of muddy cloth that wasn't in his hands before.

Well, I knew there had to be a tale there so I asked one of the stable lads and out it came. He told me he'd seen that young ragamuffin LOUSE larking around, trying to make a snow-slide with her cloak as makeshift toboggan. Snow-slide? Mud-slide more like, in this weather! Apparently she and Master Rhinvan had a near-collision. Well, I'd have thought he'd tear a strip off the girl's hide - you know how he dotes on that infant of his, gets all uppity if you so much as look sidelong at a single hair of the child's head - but no. Louse just handed him her filthy cloak and swanned off without a care in the world. These Decks youngsters have such cheek!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Does absence make the heart grow fonder?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=06 February 2014
|postbody=That was some nasty weather we had a few days back. Sleet, wind ... me, I ducked into the Town Hall to wait it out. Looked like plenty of others had the same idea. That carpenter Master BREV didn't seem to mind it though, he was eager to walk Lady ISOBEL home despite the cold and wet. Don't his bones ache in the damp like normal folks?

The lady must have been suspicious of his motives, I heard her ask if he had something to tell her. She might have been right, because he confessed somewhat reluctantly he'd be 'out of town for a few weeks'. And as the door closed behind them, I'd swear I heard Lady Isobel say something about 'running out'! You don't think he's trying to copy that former wife of his? I tell you, all foreigners are barbarians!

Sure enough, Master Brev hasn't been seen since and that carpentry workshop of his is shut up tight. How the Wharf project and the Infirmary will fare in his absence remains to be seen ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Mist, mud and Menfolk
|author=Bardur
|dateposted=08 February 2014
|postbody=This report comes to us from a Londaroth worthy:

"Those Dwarves are a right queer lot! All grim and grouchy, you'd think we were due for a dragon or something. But at least they help fill up the tavern, right? Wrong! There's this one little fellow with a bit less beard than the rest - DORN I've heard them call him - who hasn't been in to sample the ales once! Stand-offish or what? Makes you wonder, it does ...

"Another one of them, BARDUR, tried to foist his singing on us! Fortunately the Innkeep put him off right quick, we don't want any of that Dwarven caterwauling in these parts. Maybe in Dale they know no better. The Dwarven skald (is that like the proverbial cat?) was a bit miffed though, I heard him grumbling to his teetotal pal about it. So did old Harry, he walked up to the pair of them and I thought there was going to be trouble (we all know Harry's not quite right in the head). But no, they got bored sizing each other up and he wandered off.

"Pity he did, I'll tell you what I saw afterwards: those two pint-size Dwarves hitting each other with sticks. Regular treat it was, better than a puppet show! Shame the short folk are meant to be leaving town soon."
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A Skirmish at Night
|author=Hrodwyn
|dateposted=10 February 2014
|postbody=On a cold night near the beginning of spring, the orcs of Isengard were about in the Dale-Lands, secured in a hide out. Knowing of this invading enemy, a small troop of the King's Men from Dale were scouting the land. When two wagons went barreling down a nearby road, the two forces met -- the orcs first raiding the wagons and the men arriving to counter-attack the orcs.

In this small fray, SHAVYAK of Isengard and Lieutenant HRODWYN of the King's Men, opponents in the past, met once again, meleeing mightily. Shavyak made the better blows in that duel. Still, the orcses retreated quickly, leaving behind exhausted men to retreat.

And luck was with the men that night -- for RUKHET and her band of elite scouts, the Silent Night, had accompanied Shavyak but did not arrive before the bloodshed had abated.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Dinner!!
|author=Shavyak
|dateposted=10 February 2014
|postbody=A winding road follows along the river Celduin throughout Rhovanion. Twin paths that fuel the machines of commerce and draw plundering hands from afar. Many hands. Delving hands. Wicked hands that poured from a hiding hole dug into a hillside when their scouts' horns alerted: a caravan of Dwarves, a force of Dale-Men on horseback. Too much temptation, too much chance of being discovered and one solution to the cave-bred mindset - battle!

With righteous fury the cavalry charged upon the largest visible contingent, BERNAR leading a clash with a masked Uruk-Hai (OXLRIF). The score of foot-soldiers took heavy casualties, but accomplished the orders of their lieutenant and that masked orc: unhorsing many to their end, and the misery of their now captive beasts.

Should an eagle have flown above, the directions of forces mingling and retreating were indeterminable. With the way that the wind favored the Orcs' bowshot, saviors from above would have been welcomed.

RUKHET and DORN found enough taste of each other, and distaste in the result, both escaping the other to fight again another day. AGARACUK and BARDUR found a similar unspoken agreement, the former retreating with his best mates to provide cover fire for the largely victorious orcs while the latter helped lead the dwarven folk on to safety. SAHGIGOTH and ARZI traded bowshots and curses, having enough of each other at length to retreat - Arzi with his kindred, Sahgigoth with an obscene ritual and a solo disappearance amidst the chaos.

Caught in the epicenter of activity, SHAVYAK stood defiantly against the finest dwarven warriors led by NELETH. At half the orc's stature, the dwarf had an advantage swinging up that the mighty brute could not match with his attempts to swing down. Should the battle have continued, Neleth may have gained a mighty trophy in the death of an Uruk-Hai - but with the Orcs gaining the upper hand in the clash the wiser creature removed himself from the scene with his band largely untouched.

Clearly Orcs grow more dangerous, and clearly they are present in troubling numbers in the Dale-Lands currently - but from whence did they come, and where might they appear next? All previous encounters in recent history have been in the midwest areas of this kingdom - do they venture forth to beat upon paths already tread?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Smoke in the water
|author=Brev
|dateposted=12 February 2014
|postbody=A routine night patrol (mounted) sent out from Iach Celduin along the banks of the river came back with some rather odd reports. WRAY (Isobel) spoke of a disturbance at the riverside and a sudden overpowering stench, and how she and two of her comrades gave chase to some unseen beast but lost it in the mirk of the forest. Young HAROLD (Hrodwyn) told, with a quaver in his voice, of a blood-curdling scream that pierced the night and how he selflessly volunteered to escort Wray back to make her report. BREV spoke of hunting on foot for the source of the stench, identifying it eventually as a rotten fish. Quite why he was limping after a situation that involved no combat he wouldn't say (and just who put him on a horse anyway? I know we're short of men after the recent skirmishes, but he sits in the saddle like a sack of potatoes!)

Funny thing was, next day there was this odd smell in the air. Not like rotten eggs, more acrid. And there were a few fish floating belly-up in the water. I didn't think much of it ... but there's one or two folk been caught with the runs or having trouble keeping their dinner down. You don't think it's *lowers voice to a fearful whisper* plague?

Of course, the diminutive Mordain shaman SAHGIGOTH will have quite a different tale to tell to his Isendrim allies, one involving ash of Ered Lithui and a shaman's curse. Is the Eye more powerful than the Hand? RP and find out ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Pot Crack'd from Side to Side
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=14 February 2014
|postbody=Why, that street urchin LOUSE (played by BREV) certainly has a brass neck, and she grows bolder every day! Can you believe what she got up to in the Crafts Hall? She walked into poor Torwin's stall (after getting her grubby fingers all over my soap, that little--) and knocked over a pot - and then she refused to pay for it! There she was, shards at her feet, and she claimed it wasn't her fault. I'm so glad Mistress RHEDA (played by RIORDAN) and Lady ISOBEL interfered - us poor crafters have it hard enough as it is without having to put up with these sort of cheeky little... little... pip-squeaks! Though mark my words, Mistress Rheda had the right of it when she asked Lady Taurdain what good it would do to buy Louse out of trouble... well, next time I see that whelp in here I'm giving her a good spanking! ... Louse, I mean. Not Mistress Rheda or Lady Isobel!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Beards, Hammers and Tricks
|author=Neleth
|dateposted=15 February 2014
|postbody=Flowing from the north, the river Celduin brings many good things to the people of the land - water for crops, fish for meals... this day, however, the river bore witness to yet another battle near its water. Two separate parties. One sent to scout the road. The other; to pillage, raid and burn with no discernible direction. Their meeting was unavoidable, if the stories of the past hold any sway on the present.

The party of well-armed dwarves sent north to scout the road does little to hide themselves, staying between the road and the river as they move north, looking for signs of orcs. There is a hill not far away that blocks from view the party of orcs, moving back westward towards the road, looking for more havoc to reek. GANON the dwarf if the first to spot orcs climbing to the top of that not-so-far-off hill. SHAVYAK, at the top of that hill, begins to serenade his troop with a sort of... war song, one might call it. It he who leads the charge, leaving RUKHET and one other to shoot arrows down at the dwarves. Below, NELETH takes command of his cousins, urging them forward to meet their age-old foe.

When its in yer toothies
will ya get yer brew?
NO MAN NO MAN
CHEW CHEW CHEW!

Shavyak's song end just as the two parties meet, and battle is joined with the swing of his sword at the first dwarf he sees, Ganon. Ganon is not alone, however, and Neleth is able to join in the dismantling of Shavyak. Meanwhile, at the edge of the battle arrows soar from darkened trees at the uruks. Soon, three figures (HORT) wearing the garb of the elves of the wood emerge. Their arrows are aimed at the orcs, and the dwarves have a few moments to be cheered - not yet noticing the fact that those arrows aren't actually hitting their targets.

Two dwarves can be a handful. Shavyak's singing voice might be on higher notes is the future due to his encounter with Ganon. Only seconds after Neleth's blade cuts him deeply, Ganon's war hammer is swung upward at his taller foe's groin. OUCH! To make matters worse, amidst his retreat from the dwarf an arrow, shot at Ganon by the newly wakened and hung-over AGARACUK . The arrow sinks into the uruk's posterior, and he is saved from further damage by the dwarven retreat.

The battle's tides turned quickly, though, as those "elves" turned their arrows upon the bearded folk, and executed one in a gruesome way before cutting his beard off in front of his comrades. Anger would have led the dwarves to chase those imposters, but with arrows now coming from the woods, and two of their number dead, Neleth calls for a retreat - something many of the dwarves find hard to do. They obey, however, and the field is abandoned by the dwarves.

}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A Cold Caller
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=15 February 2014
|postbody=Wonder if Master Brev has given his betrothed permission to snoop around in his home when he's not there? Lady ISOBEL visited the Business Parade the other day and that young man who is staying with the carpenter let her in. He's a shy one but I think I've heard him being called GIDON? Anyway, she didn't stay long but then again her host isn't the chattiest of folks I've found. I peeked in through a window (on Master Brev's account, mind! We carpenters need to look out for one another, and he had awfully bad luck with his /last/ wife so...) and I saw the lady hand Gidon a package of some sort? No clue what was in it. If you want to know, ask him! ... and watch him give you a one-syllable answer ere running off.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A venomous discovery
|author=Sahgigoth
|dateposted=16 February 2014
|postbody=As night fell in the rolling dales near Iach Celduin, SAHGIGOTH, Uruk shaman-corruptor of Barad-dur, after his recent river poisoning attempt against the folk of the Dale, performed another fell ritual in the forest of the valley, in order to resupply itself with yet more poison. Armed with treachery and cowardice, under the glum forest's cover, its vile intent being to despoil and defile, it managed to complete the ritual of poisoning, by using the entrails of forest animals and turning them into a venomous sludge.

But its corrupting ways were discovered by the Khazad GANON, Warder of Ered-Luin. The brave Dwarf valiantly decided to take matters into his own hands and bravely attempted to set things straight right away, without sharing the discovery with his Khazad peers camping nearby, after the latest skirmish with the Isendrim Uruks.

Khazad warhammer met rusty Uruk battle-axe in a spirited, fiery combat, where hatred and fury left skill and tactics aside. Soon, blood flowed and SAHGIGOTH, despite its frail appearance managed to score some wounds against the stout Khazad. GANON finally alerted his peers as to his discovery, as a mocking, taunting SAHGIGOTH fled deeper into the recesses of the valley's forest, leaving behind it a despoiled forest clearing and its pursuers.

What plans next the treacherous Uruk SAHGIGOTH? How will GANON and the Dwarves handle this venomous discovery? Is this a organised, coordinnated attack on the Dale, arranged in prior by the various Uruk factions present or is it an isolated incident? RP and find out!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A lesson in stealth
|author=Bardur
|dateposted=18 February 2014
|postbody=In the hour before dawn, the rolling hills and dark thickets of the lands bordering the Celduin were once more witness to spilled blood. It began with two dwarves, Skorri (NPC) and BARDUR, who were abroad before the sun had risen in order to spy out the lie of the land and locate the orcish group (and for Skorri to impart his wisdom to the young and inexperienced Skald, who was rather less than total in his stealth). They got more than they bargained for when a thicket that promised 'cover' proved to hold the Mordain shaman SAHGIGOTH; he and Skorri took turns hacking branches to bits until a lucky swing of Skorri's found orcish flesh and the shaman wriggled back into the bushes out of easy reach.

Bardur, meanwhile, had thrown himself flat to avoid AGARACUK's arrow; he spent a fair bit of time wriggling about in the mud before he realized he'd never find the archer and stood up to 'assist' his comrade. In actual fact the inexperienced Skald was more of a hindrance. Not only did Agaracuk have two clear targets now, but when outbursts of drumming from more than one direction ('an army!' claimed the wide-eyed Skald, 'two or three,' muttered Skorri) heralded the approach of more goblins Bardur darted forward into bowshot range to engage SHAVYAK, leaving his more heavily armoured companion to lumber after and become the target of not one but two well-placed arrow. War drummer and Skald exchanged a couple of rounds of middling blows and less-than-middling poetry, but in the end Skorri's plight recalled Bardur to the danger they were in and as the light grew the two scouts very sensibly chose to 'report back' at high speed. Others, of course, might claim they fled.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Fighting fit?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=19 February 2014
|postbody=A clear, bright dawn saw many in the camp of Men at Iach Celduin up and about, with some seeking release from the healers' authority and others simply breakfast - though the uptake on that has been rather lacking of late. Lord GERIK was after both: he asked to return to duty despite a half-healed wrist that's surely not fit for swordplay. Worryingly, BREV actually let him. Perhaps that's down to the number of folk like WRAY, who approached the healer's tent looking as grey as the powder Brev sent her off with (she beat a frighteningly hasty retreat towards the nearest bushes!) How are we going to drive out those orcs with half the army hopping off their horses at every bit of shrubbery?

When Lord BERNAR demanded similar clearance the sawbones seemed inclined to balk, even going so far as to say - well, I shouldn't repeat it. But I'm telling you you'd not catch /me/ provoking our Lord like that! Gratitude for healing of one's kin only goes so far. However, then he must have relented because he disappeared into the tent for a bit and came out with a support for Bernar's healing ribs. I'd hung around because Lord Bernar and Lord Gerik were discussing tactics, reckoned I might find out what garbage they plan to dump on us. The word 'Dwarves' came up again and again, and I also heard talk of 'coordination'. I reckon there might have been a messenger or two sent out... Didn't hear more because Brev pushed past me on his way somewhere. The edge of camp, from what I could see. Here, you don't think he's indisposed too? No wonder there's so many folk queasy! Sick folk should have the decency to stay away from the healthy, that's what I say.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Just an accident?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=23 February 2014
|postbody=It's rare to see Lady ISOBEL Taurdain in the Underdecks Infirmary, but she came in the other afternoon - whether to check up on the place in Brev's absence or to have a cosy chat with AILITH of Girion I don't know. Mind you, I'd as soon chat with a dragon! She doesn't mince her words, does Lady Ailith, especially now that she's .. well, rounder (don't, whatever you do, mention the word 'fat'!). She even has her father Lord Prius under her thumb; he was there too, hovering around and getting in the way while she did her work.

And work there was: that young tearaway LOUSE came in (well, some pal more-or-less dragged her) looking a right mess. What had happened Louse wasn't saying and the other lad did a runner before Lady Isobel could question him, leaving Ailith to patch the hobbling youngster up. She'll be off that ankle for a week or two, I reckon.

Isobel seemed inclined to take the girl's mumblings about lost money as evidence of a gambling debt, but Ailith had other ideas. Of course, Lady Isobel's led a sheltered life, while Ailith's seen enough down here to put two and two together. Sometimes you forget she's a Girion - why with that vocabulary she might almost be one of us!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=In sickness and in 'elf
|author=Brev
|dateposted=24 February 2014
|postbody=Did you know there's another Elf in town? Tall, thin, dark hair and fair of face ... well, they all are. No, I wasn't staring! Spotted this one in the Market Square the other evening - that young nuisance LOUSE was causing a blockage in the road. You just have to laugh at that girl and her broomstick crutch she's been using to get about on her poorly ankle! The Elf didn't laugh, though - instead she picked up something the girl had dropped and Louse muttered something grudging that I hope was a 'thankyou'. They exchanged names then - the Elf's sounded something like Leer-hen (LYRWEN) to me - and the Elf said something about hunting and tracking. Louse looked interested but when no tales of goblin- and spider-slaying were forthcoming the girl gave up and hobbled off.

Hunter and tracker, hmm? I'm sure there's a use for that ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=It's a bird! No, it's an orc!
|author=Dorn
|dateposted=26 February 2014
|postbody=The orcs are still around. The two dwarves scouting the area around their camp - DORN and BARDUR - found that out by following the noises of cursing in black speech, huffing, puffing and pools of black blood in the mud by the river. It was SAHGIGOTH, trying to get away from the open area or maybe just trying to get some distance between himself and the dwarves, humans and who knows what else being after his tail! While Dorn, a scout of some experience, remained quiet as he prepared his bow for a shot, Bardur called out quite excitedly as he was fussing with his own bow but oddly enough, pointed his arrow somewhere completely different than the scout. Well, both released their arrows at the orc but neither of them hit - it was getting dark! It's not their fault! Dorn hit a rock and Bardur shot at a tree not even close to the Uruk, managing to rouse up a few deers. Sahgigoth scooted though and after a momentary consideration, Dorn took after him to see if there was an orc camp in that direction while Bardur was sent to warn the others of the dwarven caravan that orcs were still stalking the area.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Bonfire party
|author=Brev
|dateposted=28 February 2014
|postbody=
In the dark of the night,
The fires burn bright
As orc-kind plan
Their doom for Man ...

Nigh on a hundred orcs must have been gathered there as Zonk the Foul praised his troops and declared his intent to curse the heart of the Northmen's lands. A volunteer he had - SHAVYAK - yet his ceremonies were interrupted by the arrival of unwelcome guests: an alliance of Barding horsemen and doughty Dwarven footsoldiers. The scout RUKHET moved nimbly forward to harrass the interlopers; Shavyak and his Wolf squad stepped up to the fight then, buying the High Hag SSAMORI time to evacuate the walking wounded to safety (the remainder she despatched in person and with honour; the bonds binding Sharku's troops are deep).

Amongst the horsemen, one rider stood out as less competent and perhaps Shavyak thought to find BREV easy prey. Once unhorsed, however, the man proved fleet of foot as any forest lynx and his spear had a nasty sting into the bargain. NELETH, meanwhile, grew angered enough by Rukhet's arrows (though none found its mark in his tough Dwarven flesh) that he stomped off into the brush to seek her.

In the end it was the Free Peoples who had the upper hand, though not without their own losses. With many of Shavyak's squad already corpses, the big orc and his remaining fellows retreated under cover of shouting and confusion to rejoin the remainder of their kind, heading ... where?

Perhaps time and RP will tell.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-01

2014-11-20T23:08:09Z

Barz:

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 02 || ESGAROTH || [[#Barging in|Barging in]]
|-
| 04 || ESGAROTH || [[#Grand designs|Grand designs]]
|-
| 05 || ESGAROTH || [[#Arresting Development|Arresting Development]]
|-
| 06 || ESGAROTH || [[#Large packages|Large packages]]
|-
| 06 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Eagles Are Coming|The Eagles Are Coming]]
|-
| 07 || ESGAROTH || [[#The measure of a man|The measure of a man]]
|-
| 08 || ESGAROTH || [[#On guard|On guard]]
|-
| 10 || ESGAROTH || [[#Liquid Brunch|Liquid Brunch]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#(Un)lucky break|(Un)lucky break]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Unexpected Visitor|The Unexpected Visitor]]
|-
| 13 || ESGAROTH || [[#Behind Closed Doors..|Behind Closed Doors..]]
|-
| 16 || ESGAROTH || [[#Almost-visitors?|Almost-visitors?]]
|-
| 20 || ESGAROTH || [[#Greed is Good|Greed is Good]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#What's cooking?|What's cooking?]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#Lord vs Lad|Lord vs Lad]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#Strange bedfellows..|Strange bedfellows..]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#Pride (In The Name Of Love)|Pride (In The Name Of Love)]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#A Captain's Inquest|A Captain's Inquest]]
|-
| 24 || ESGAROTH || [[#A little drink?|A little drink?]]
|-
| 25 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Father And Child Reunion|The Father And Child Reunion]]
|-
| 25 || ESGAROTH || [[#Connections..|Connections..]]
|-
| 26 || ESGAROTH || [[#A frosty meeting|A frosty meeting]]
|-
| 26 || ESGAROTH || [[#Concerns and congratulations|Concerns and congratulations]]
|-
| 27 || ESGAROTH || [[#To Be A Karath|To Be A Karath]]
|-
| 27 || ESGAROTH || [[#Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery|Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery]]
|-
| 28 || ESGAROTH || [[#The biter, bit?|The biter, bit?]]
|-
| 28 || ESGAROTH || [[#Meeting at Healers|Meeting at Healers]]
|-
| 29 || ESGAROTH || [[#News from Girion Place|News from Girion Place]]
|-
| 30 || ESGAROTH || [[#Training Exercise|Training Exercise]]
|-
| 30 || ESGAROTH || [[#Turnip-tossing!|Turnip-tossing!]]
|-
| 30 || ESGAROTH || [[#Tell me it ain't true|Tell me it ain't true]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Barging in
|author=Brev
|dateposted=02 January 2013
|postbody=I happened to be walking along the Docks the other evening when I noticed Lord BERNAR of Karath hanging around like a man with a purpose. Well of course I was curious, so I kept an eye on him ...

Sadly I didn't witness any clandestine meetings. All he did was greet some Dwarf fellow (BARDUR) fresh off the barge from North Port. Offered him Karath hospitality and started walking back to town with him. What?! You think House Karath is bringing in Dwarven troops to patrol the streets since the unrest over that Arathmor traitor's murder? I never thought of that! I only saw the one fellow, and he was grim and dour enough ... though come to think of it he wasn't wearing mail. Had some pack he said was an instrument, threatened to play it for Bernar. Maybe the plan is to keep the streets clear by unleashing Dwarven caterwauling on us!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Grand designs
|author=Brev
|dateposted=04 January 2013
|postbody=Did you notice that Lady ISOBEL went to visit that carpenter BREV's workshop on the Business Parade yesterday afternoon? Getting information from that stuttering prentice Ottar is like squeezing blood from a stone - why, he wouldn't even tell me who that fine-looking pinewood crib I glimpsed the other day was for! But I did hear him say something to one of the other lads about measuring Taurdain Suites. Do you think Lady Isobel has expansion plans? Where would she get the money? I'm telling you, these nobles don't know which side their bread is buttered on! Most of us are worried about just making it through the winter ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Arresting Development
|author=Celys
|dateposted=05 January 2013
|postbody=Storm or not, it was getting right stuffy in the Flagon the other night so I just had to cut out and get some fresh air. And then I saw a curius sight: a lady, with as fine a cloak as you please, with some men carrying heavy parcels. I was curious, so I crept in to have a better look.

Turns out it was the Lady NAVERINE of Arathmor, with some liveried couriers. They all ducked into the barracks, of all places! Well, I wasn't about to duck in after them, but you can bet I spent the rest of the evening watching the windows. It was hours later that they finally left. And I swear it wasn't just a trick of the lightning, that NAVERINE lady was as smug as you please on her way out.

I didn't think much more of it, only then one of my friends down at the Docks came in and said he'd just seen one of the old Arathmor merchants arrested in his offices! Seems the Watch did proper raids on a handful of the old devils--smuggling, theft, transport of stolen goods, and so on.

I don't know what Lady Naverine said to make the guards so angry--but I bet it wiped that smug look off her face when her cousins were getting locked away. Or maybe, as my friend says, she's gone turncoat and turned them in herself? I sure hope the Council actually gives these Arathmors a trial, though I can't say as I know anyone who'll mind if they get hanged.

I'd sure like to know more, but the boss has us working double since the news broke--I'd bet my boots he's looking to horn in on some new assets, mark my words. Perhaps you could RP and find out what's going on?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Large packages
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=06 January 2013
|postbody=The weather was just terrible last night, terrible. That's why I was so surprised to see that moneylender, BAN Rhinvan, visiting Master BREV's workshop. I could see from my window that he brought some rough-looking customers with him, but they left empty-handed.

I tried to get something out of Ottar, but you know how he is. He got so tangled up and upset, and the only word he got out is "cudgels."

Did Ban mean to rob Brev and backed down? What heavy object were Brev and Ottar carting out in the rain later that evening - a body, or something more innocent? What's the whole story? RP and find out!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Eagles Are Coming
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=06 January 2013
|postbody=You wouldn't believe what I saw the other day - a Giant Eagle (RAUGSAUL)! Oh, you laugh, you do, but I swear I saw it! And Lady ISOBEL spoke to it! It spooked her horse but she and the bird seemed to be conversing peacefully enough... you wouldn't believe how big they are!

- Oh, is /that/ why she came back into town with an elf in tow and grass stains all over her back? I figured... well, never mind. She did say her horse threw her but, well, isn't that what one /would/ say? Though... where does the elf figure? Master ORMESIR is his name, I think. He's staying at the suites.

- Um, well... I dunno. Maybe it was the chap who turned up with her horse after it had bolted? He had his hood down so I couldn't really tell. Anyhow, what does it matter? A giant eagle, man! The stuff of legends! And, ahh, the sight of it taking to the skies again... majestic, I tell you!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The measure of a man
|author=Brev
|dateposted=07 January 2013
|postbody=Did you see Master BREV and his apprentice Ottar out measuring Taurdain Suites the other day? With a ladder to climb up to roof height and all. I heard him telling an enquiring Elf that it was for some sort of survey. What's he need to go doing one of those for? We know how big the place is - too big! Shades half the light from the street ...

Anyway, that Elf. I thought it was a bit odd that he was staying in the Suites and not the Embassy, so I - all right, I listened. Wouldn't you? He said that his name was Or-messy or something (ORMESIR) and that he hadn't come from Mirkwood but some place beyond, I didn't catch the right name. Brev must've been having trouble with the fellow's accent too, going by one unguarded comment. What? No, I won't tell you. The Elf did say he might share some songs or tales in Great Hall or tavern, so maybe you'll get the chance to hear that fancy title of his first-hand.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=On guard
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=08 January 2013
|postbody=The guards were edgy the other day and I'm not sure why. They usually throw me a coin or some bread when they pass by but the night patrol was really late! Think they're afraid to go out since they let Roskar die? When I asked Sergeant LOREN (played by ISOBEL) just shrugged and said that Captain CELYS had wanted to discuss a few things. Queer, don't you think? Suppose they might have lingered on purpose so they didn't have to be out in the storm though!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Liquid Brunch
|author=Brev
|dateposted=10 January 2013
|postbody=That young tearaway LOUSE grows bolder by the day! Why, the other morning she burst into the Flagon (I'm telling you, with the way she treats those swinging doors I'm surprised they're not off their hinges!) and no sooner had she spotted Lady ISOBEL than she was asking the noblewoman to buy her a bowl of stew. Well, I'd not have fallen for it but those Taurdain are always soft in the head.

Someone else who might well be soft in the head is Lady ORIANA. Oh, she's quiet I grant you, but it's the quiet ones you have to watch. Louse spotted her just as she was trying to leave the Flagon ('sneaking', according to the youngster) and the Karath lady confessed to having not yet slept. And she'd been drinking whiskey! Louse started scolding (just what does that sprat know about drinking spirits, I ask you?) and Lady Isobel had to give the girl coin for stew to shut her up. The noblewomen left then, I've no idea what matters they discussed on their walk home.

What could have caused Lady Oriana to drink alone? Which will give out first, Louse's cheek or Isobel's purse? RP and find out ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=(Un)lucky break
|author=Brev
|dateposted=12 January 2013
|postbody=Did you see the Warden's son, RIOLAN, stumbling in to the Healer's House the other day? Green to the gills he looked, and clutching his arm to him. Master BREV the carpenter had to open the door for him, suppose he must have been passing. Lucky, that. Lucky too that the Healer on duty wouldn't let the foreigner 'help' out by treating the injury. I've heard a thing or two about his methods I'd not care to repeat! But not so lucky to have hurt himself in the first place. Just what was RIOLAN doing tripping on the job? Reckon he's been at the bottle while his father's away? He'll rue it now - he can hardly work with his arm bound up.

Funny, I did hear Master BREV say something about finding him alternative employment. Wonder what that was about? I thought the carpenter was supposed to have turned respectable? Time will tell ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Unexpected Visitor
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=12 January 2013
|postbody=I daresay that Lord BERNAR was surprised when Lady ISOBEL of Taurdain stopped by, and so late in the day! I know I was, at least. Still, aside from the... unusual calling time there was nothing really odd about the visit. They holed themselves up in his office, the conference broken only by the arrival of some refreshments, and that's what Lord Karath usually does when he has visitors. Of course they tend to be of a more military kind... what lady calls on a man so late anyway? Why, he could have been in his night clothes!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Behind Closed Doors..
|author=Brev
|dateposted=13 January 2013
|postbody=That carpenter BREV sure is popular around the Suites lately! (Well, I think he and Lady Arla had a bit of a tiff but other than that..) First he was shut up with Lady Niamh, and now it's the daughter! What could he have to say that is so interesting? Why, I'd say that he and Lady ISOBEL were holed up together for at least half an hour! And he certainly seemed uncommonly happy when he left... suppose something good happened? Or maybe he was just glad to be out of there. 's true, Lady Isobel *can* be a bit... overwhelming when she gets in a mood. Ach, like mother, like daughter..
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Almost-visitors?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=16 January 2013
|postbody=You get some strange customers coming to the doors of Taurdain Suites. Like the other day ... Lady ORIANA showed up and asked for Lady ISOBEL, so of course I hurried off to find her. True to form, there she was with a book stuck on the end of her nose ... what? No, it's a turn of phrase, you dunderdhead! What was she reading? She /said/ something about Beomia, but I couldn't help noticing that her hand was covering the title. If you ask me, it was one of those dodgy manuscripts from the top shelf in the library! Why else would she try to hide it?

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Lady Oriana. She'd said she wanted to speak to Lady Isobel but then she changed her mind - kept claiming Isobel looked 'very busy'. Busy, my foot! Reading trashy novels ... and the only other person around was the carpenter BREV. He's just been made a retainer of Taurdain, did you know that? You should have see him grinning from ear to ear when it was announced, clearly he reckons he's been offered a good deal. Hah! You want to tell him, or shall I? I imagine we'll see a lot more of the fellow now, to cadge free meals if nothing else. He wasn't slow to head for the kitchen area, leaving Lady Isobel alone with her guest.

Lady Oriana wouldn't stay, though. What did she come here for, then? It beats me, truly it does. When I passed Lady Isobel and Brev a little later I hung around a bit, hoping to hear something, but all I could make out was something about 'ant-trails'. Do you think House Karath has an ant infestation? At this time of year?! Most strange ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Greed is Good
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=20 January 2013
|postbody=I saw Master Ban Rhinvan (BERNAR) wandering the library as listless as could be the other evening. Children... they suck the life right outta ya, don't they?

Master BREV came in looking for a familiar face, and found Ban instead. They were making sly comments like old pals from their faces.

Until they sat down at the same table, and something that foreigner said - "Infirmary," I think - and something the moneylender said - "treasure," "treasury," something like that - and that Brev, he froze right up. Kept a polite face, but things looked cold at that table. And it's like Ban didn't even notice!

Come to think of it, Ban's been acting queer for a little while now. I wonder if he's right in the head... or just got the Dragon's greed-madness.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=What's cooking?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=22 January 2013
|postbody=Did you know that friend of Master BREV's is back in town? The one who slinks along and never speaks. What? He told you his name is GIDON? How in the Bowman's name did you get that out of him? Anyway, I could tell he was around because of the cooking smells. Master Brev always makes more effort when he's got company - sometimes I wonder if he feeds himself at all when he's on his own (you know what men are like!). Sure enough, I saw that Gidon fellow being let in some time afterwards.

Funny, when I was passing on my way down the street a bit later I heard raised voices, something about 'leaving'. Do you reckon Master Brev's cooking's that bad? Or maybe it was the carpenter who was leaving - no, I suppose you're right. He'd hardly spend all that money on workshop premises if he wasn't going to stay there. Anyway, that's what I heard before it all went quiet again. No, I couldn't have hung around longer! Next time you want gossip, go freeze your own arse off!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Lord vs Lad
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=22 January 2013
|postbody=An odd pair dueled one morning at the Training Yard. Overseen by Lord BERNAR Karath, Lord GERIK Karath matched blades with Bernar's young squire, TRISTAN. The youth showed quickness and adroit footwork, while Gerik's swordsmanship was befitting a more experienced soldier.

The young squire received a leather buckler to add to his practice regimen before dashing off to do his chores for Mistress Conwy, while Lord Gerik needed to return to his duties at Thrush Hill. Truly, a soldier may work from sun to sun, but a squire's work is never done.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Strange bedfellows..
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=23 January 2013
|postbody=Those out-of-town Arathmor twins, Lord Thurstan and Lady Naverine (played by CELYS) came calling at Karath Manor last night. I know! Not the usual kind of visitor, and Lord BERNAR was clearly only asking them in out of hospitality. In they went to his private study, and then he offered them a drink.

No idea what they were talking about, but when I was bringing the drinks in, Lord Bernar went abruptly silent. You know how he trusts everyone in House Karath, but whatever he was talking about, he didn't want overheard.

A Bit later, he showed them out, and all parties were quite cordial. Bernar even thanked Thurstan for a gift.

He better be careful; we all know Arathmor generosity hides fangs!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Pride (In The Name Of Love)
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=23 January 2013
|postbody=That carpenter BREV, he must be crazy - he asked to see both Lord BRAEDON and Lady NIAMH (both played by ISOBEL) at the same time in the same room! Doesn't he know how uncomfortable it can get when you get them cooped up together like that? But he would do it... Quite a lengthy conversation it was too and for some reason he was grinning from ear to ear when he came out! What do you make of that?

Well, I'll /tell/ you what I make of that - he immediately went looking for the Lady ISOBEL and for my part I caught a glimpse of them holding hands! You don't think...?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A Captain's Inquest
|author=Celys
|dateposted=23 January 2013
|postbody=A courier arrived at the office of the Council early this morning bearing a letter bearing the official crest of the City Watch, and the personal seal of Lord Celys. After the Council had met to deliberate, it was put on display in the town hall. The message reads:

It has been a long time in coming, but the Watch has completed its inquest into the events surrounding the death of Roskar, Lord Arathmor (for so he must be called, as he was never brought to trial).

Many sworn witnesses, including myself, can vouch that Roskar was long in ill health. This much was not in dispute: unless the office of the Steward is in the habit of burning the letters it receives from the Watch, it will have received several letters written in my own hand and bearing my seal asking that the trial be held without delay. I never received a response to those letters; I humbly suggest that the Council will have an interest in seeing those letters released to the public.

I have extensively reviewed the evidence surrounding the evening of his death. There was no lapse in security. There was no ill-treatment of the prisoner. The only irregularity that occurred at all is that a prisoner was allowed to die before the King's justice could be served, and that irregulary happened outside of the scope of this inquest.

I write this as a humble and faithful servant of the King and of the city of Laketown, and I swear to the verity of these words on my honor as a Taurdain.

Lord Celys

Captain of the Esgaroth Watch
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A little drink?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=24 January 2013
|postbody=Will Lord BERNAR never be free from visitors? When it's not nobles from other Houses holding clandestine meetings at the dead of night (really, what are they thinking of! Daylight would be so much more civilized), it's members of House Karath pestering him. Some of them old enough to know better, too: like Mistress AEBBE, who called on our Lord in his study the other afternoon. I know, because I had to pour tea for them (tea! I'll wager Lord BERNAR would much have preferred his usual whisky). I thought perhaps it might be something about her son - isn't he in Buhr Marling? - but when I answered the bell Mistress Aebbe was asking Bernar when he would marry. That brought on a red face, I can tell you! Do you think Aebbe has someone in mind? Or has Lord Bernar perhaps made his own selection?

But after I poured the tea, just as I was leaving, I heard some mention of Lady Oriana and the word 'erratic'. So perhaps there was another purpose to the conversation, after all.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Father And Child Reunion
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=25 January 2013
|postbody=The wanderer returns! I heard from their man that Master RIORDAN of Karath has returned to town once more and if you believe the steward it might be about time... seems like young RIOLAN (played by ISOBEL) has been at a bit of a loss without his father though he may not care to admit it! Let's hope the stories their steward has been telling of the youngster's escapades don't get back to the old man, eh?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Connections..
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=25 January 2013
|postbody=In the Fishtale, it isn't what you know but who you know that matters.

So I looked twice when merchant SAEREDA Conwy, Linnea the urchin-monger (played by CELYS), and moneylender Ban Rhinvan (played by BERNAR) were all at the same table acting like fast friends. When connections, savviness, and money travel in the same boat, I want to know where it's going, I'll tell you that.

Ban passed something shiny - coin, it looked to me - to Linnea, and a slip of parchment to Saereda. Is this the beginning of a beautiful friendship?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A frosty meeting
|author=Brev
|dateposted=26 January 2013
|postbody=Ah, but it's cold and frosty in Firespark Lane. The sun never quite seems to reach down there ... and some of the interactions are pretty frosty too. Take the other day. Master BREV and Lady ISOBEL greeted each other quite civilly (more than civilly, I would say! Since when were silly grins and taking a lady's hand part of meeting and greeting?) but when that quiet fellow, GIDON, saw them he looked quite ill and tried to bolt. Brev ran him down (Lady Isobel gave up the chase and followed rather more sedately) but it looked to be a less than a happy meeting. There was talk of hunting, but then Brev must have said something really bad because Gidon hunched up like a snail in its shell, wouldn't look at anyone. Or maybe it was Lady Isobel's mention of a wedding? Any road, she left the two men to their disagreement and they parted ways soon after, both with faces like thunderclouds. Don't they share quarters? Must be pretty grim in that house in the Business Parade after hours.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Concerns and congratulations
|author=Brev
|dateposted=26 January 2013
|postbody=It was a lovely sunny afternoon, and I was just heading down to the Docks to admire the Lake (well, all right, I /was/ hoping to watch the men working too ...) when I had to stop at the crossroads on Merchant's Way to let a cart pass. That's when I noticed Lady AILITH Girion and Master BREV stopping to greet each other. I must say, "How the flames are you?" isn't my idea of civil, but Brev took it in good part and the two were soon chatting like old friends, which I guess they are. Then Lady ISOBEL Taurdain joined them and things got really interesting. I heard it with my own ears (and saw them with my own eyes, ugh!): the Heir of Taurdain and that foreign carpenter are to wed! Though they didn't seem too clear on when - 'autumn' says Lady Isobel, and 'spring' countered the carpenter hopefully.

Why, that poor, poor lady! Her so gently born: to be taken in by some foreigner who's only after her money. Oh, that arm around the waist may have fooled /her/, but I know men better. No wonder he wants to marry her quick before she works it out! I'm surprised her family has allowed it - but then House Taurdain always were far too charitable.

Sadly they didn't reveal any more juicy details; the happy couple-to-be were too busy fussing over Ailith, they seemed concerned she was acting a bit odd. Don't know what they were worried about. If you ask me, anyone who can blaspheme like that is in rude health! Brev rushed off to speak to someone or other and Lady Isobel didn't linger much longer ... oh, wait! There was one more thing: Lady Isobel seemed to want a healer's advice, and agreed to call on the Girion later. You don't think there's sickness in the Taurdain household?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=To Be A Karath
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=27 January 2013
|postbody=Seems it was finally time for Royal Warden RIORDAN's lad to be introduced to the Head of the House now that the High Warden is back in town once again. RIOLAN seemed a bit stiff if you ask me, but I suppose he's rather young still, and to those who have not met Lord BERNAR before he must seem a bit intimidating. What with his impressive build and noble stature and all! Anyway, it went mostly well (Riordan seemed so assured of this that he went to talk with a friend; they were exchanging old battle stories, very interesting!) and Lord Karath graciously offered to help the young pup learn to use his sword. Hopefully Master Riolan gets around to it soon; a Karath who doesn't know how to fight? What is the world coming to?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
|author=Brev
|dateposted=27 January 2013
|postbody=I've often wondered how a big bear of a man like Lord BERNAR is so quick on his feet. Now I know - in the Training Yard the other night he had his sword on the ground and was leaping back and forward over it. Looked like some barbarian dance! Then Lord GERIK appeared and we got to see some real pretty blade-work too, as the two faced off for a spar.

Someone else must have admired it - I saw that sprat LOUSE pick up one of the wooden training swords and start trying to copy the two men. How I laughed! The combatants didn't seem to mind overmuch, I heard Lord Bernar giving her some good advice afterwards, though the brat took umbrage at being told to 'dance'. Apparently that's only for girls! Hmm, wonder what that makes Bernar and Gerik?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The biter, bit?
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=28 January 2013
|postbody=It was a bitterly cold evening, but that wasn't all that was bitter!

My shift at the Flagon was just beginning. Master Delling (played by ISOBEL) had been performing real crowd-pleasers, largely traditional drinking songs. At his first break, a few people came in by different doors: Master BREV, who runs that infirmary, didn't have the Lady Isobel on his arm, and it was a good thing, too! But I'm getting ahead of myself. There was also a real shady-looking customer, hood pulled high to obscure her face, who Brue assured me was actually a Lady - and he was right: the Lady Naverine Arathmor (played by CELYS). How does Brue always know?

I saw the moneylender Ban Rhinvan (played by BERNAR) bring Delling a drink, and then it all went to the Dragon.

I know the bard said Naverine looked suspicious and then, of all things, brought up the sordid business with Master Brev's - well, Master Ban's - wife! Brev went expressionless - you know how he does - but I thought the moneylender might have an apoplectic fit.

No, this was before the Lady Naverine offered Delling a florin to shut up for the rest of the evening.

Well, I thought Ban might beat the bard with that cane he always carries, but instead he just said something, raised his hood, and walked away. Brev wasn't far behind. The Arathmor stared Delling down before walking back to her own food, and then Delling went back to practicing his trade. Not that, I mean performing!

Delling didn't win many loyal listeners that night, I dare say!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Meeting at Healers
|author=Gerik
|dateposted=28 January 2013
|postbody=A strange meeting in the healing house, the other day. It seems a healer remarks. Gerik walked in carrying a satchel wishing to have it refilled for the tower, but met you with Lady Isobel who was being tended to it seemed for feeling ill.

The young Lord of Karath offered to escort the other back home to help but she declined him saying she had errands, seemed she didn't want help just then. He offered to even help her with errands so she could rest. It was then that the Lady of Taurdain just up and walked right out the door!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=News from Girion Place
|author=Riordan
|dateposted=29 January 2013
|postbody=I was cleaning the floors at the Girion Place last night - you know, I got a job there, yes? Oh you didn't? Well, I'll tell you about it later! Either way, I was polishing the pretty tiles and saw Lady ISOBEL come in which apparently isn't uncommon seeing as her cousin lives there and she comes to visit her often. But this time she asked for Miss... well, I guess she's no longer a Miss... well, she asked for AILITH! Why? She sick or? Their meeting was so secretive I couldn't get much information on it because they closed doors and were all quiet in there. But I did 'accidentally' look inside once and saw Lady Taurdain be all red in the face. The Girion healer was as always, I suppose. Did you know she's expecting? No?! Where have you been living? Yeah, she's already about third into the whole ordeal. Everyone's making such a fuss over it here. I wonder why? It's not like Girion doesn't have plenty of children for noble heirs and such. But eh. You know what I'm gonna do with my first salary? I'm going to buy a nice pair of shoes. Spring's coming and all...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Training Exercise
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=30 January 2013
|postbody=The horns blowing at Thrush Hill could be heard from nearby Esgaroth: the troops are to march.

Thrush Hill is where the Knights of the Black Arrow can instruct the most promising in order to make them the best. But garrison experience can only carry you so far, the officers explained to the men.

Accompanying the preparations in Thrush Hill are those in Karath Manor, where Lord Bernar has ordered the House's armsmen to be prepared for their own training exercise.

A destination has not officially been announced, but as one wise old Sergeant told his troops, "If they take you to Buhr Mahrling, you'll take on their rot. If you go to Dale, you'll just learn how to talk pretty. No, boys, it's Iach Celduin for you. I'd stake my life on it." But Sarge stakes his life on a lot of things...

(OOC Note: All soldiers stationed at Thrush Hill and Esgaroth have orders to march. Attendance is not OOCly mandatory, of course, but this will be the primary chance for an intercultural TP. Enter the Barding Camp at the Hillside outside Thrush Hill two rooms west of the Esgaroth Bridge to join the adventure. Onward!)
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Turnip-tossing!
|author=Bardur
|dateposted=30 January 2013
|postbody=Did you know there were Dwarves in Laketown the other day? There was a whole bunch of them camped across the bridge, and they must've been on some trip or other because they were buying up supplies. You couldn't walk through town without bumping into one - why, poor Meggie had her basket of turnips knocked over by one black-bearded fellow (BARDUR) carrying a sack almost as big as himself. He told another skinnier Dwarf (DORN), some pal of his (or his son maybe? Couldn't see anything under that cloak and hood!) to pick them up but that was even worse: next thing the fellow was doing a spot of vegetable-juggling whilst the first one chanted some nonsense rhyme! Now, is that socially acceptable behaviour? The second dwarf even had the cheek to ask for a fee for his 'assistance'! Meggie was having none of that, of course, and eventually the black-bearded one coughed up some money for the basket of damaged vegetables. What he did with them I don't know - I heard him asking in horror if Men-folk actually ate these things ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Tell me it ain't true
|author=Brev
|dateposted=30 January 2013
|postbody=I'm telling you, that cocky young Greenshirt LOUSE has a right cheek! The other evening in the Flagon she dashed up to Lady ISOBEL Taurdain, who was having a nice quiet meal in the seat over by the window, and asked her if it was true that foreigner was marrying her for her money! (Not like we didn't all want to know, but there's some things one just doesn't say.) Lady Isobel denied the charge, but Louse wasn't satisfied and kept pestering the poor woman further until she bought some stew to shut the girl up. Just as well, too: why, some of the things she asked - mind you, growing up in the Decks she can't have any idea of how decent people behave. Why, the poor kid likely never even knew who her father was! Though I can't help wondering if she had a point about Master Riordan ...
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2013-01

2014-11-20T23:05:57Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 02 || ESGAROTH || [[#Barging in|Barging in]]
|-
| 04 || ESGAROTH || [[#Grand designs|Grand designs]]
|-
| 05 || ESGAROTH || [[#Arresting Development|Arresting Development]]
|-
| 06 || ESGAROTH || [[#Large packages|Large packages]]
|-
| 06 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Eagles Are Coming|The Eagles Are Coming]]
|-
| 07 || ESGAROTH || [[#The measure of a man|The measure of a man]]
|-
| 08 || ESGAROTH || [[#On guard|On guard]]
|-
| 10 || ESGAROTH || [[#Liquid Brunch|Liquid Brunch]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#(Un)lucky break|(Un)lucky break]]
|-
| 12 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Unexpected Visitor|The Unexpected Visitor]]
|-
| 13 || ESGAROTH || [[#Behind Closed Doors..|Behind Closed Doors..]]
|-
| 16 || ESGAROTH || [[#Almost-visitors?|Almost-visitors?]]
|-
| 20 || ESGAROTH || [[#Greed is Good|Greed is Good]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#What's cooking?|What's cooking?]]
|-
| 22 || ESGAROTH || [[#Lord vs Lad|Lord vs Lad]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#Strange bedfellows..|Strange bedfellows..]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#Pride (In The Name Of Love)|Pride (In The Name Of Love)]]
|-
| 23 || ESGAROTH || [[#A Captain's Inquest|A Captain's Inquest]]
|-
| 24 || ESGAROTH || [[#A little drink?|A little drink?]]
|-
| 25 || ESGAROTH || [[#The Father And Child Reunion|The Father And Child Reunion]]
|-
| 25 || ESGAROTH || [[#Connections..|Connections..]]
|-
| 26 || ESGAROTH || [[#A frosty meeting|A frosty meeting]]
|-
| 26 || ESGAROTH || [[#Concerns and congratulations|Concerns and congratulations]]
|-
| 27 || ESGAROTH || [[#To Be A Karath|To Be A Karath]]
|-
| 27 || ESGAROTH || [[#Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery|Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery]]
|-
| 28 || ESGAROTH || [[#The biter, bit?|The biter, bit?]]
|-
| 28 || ESGAROTH || [[#Meeting at Healers|Meeting at Healers]]
|-
| 29 || ESGAROTH || [[#News from Girion Place|News from Girion Place]]
|-
| 30 || ESGAROTH || [[#Training Exercise|Training Exercise]]
|-
| 30 || ESGAROTH || [[#Turnip-tossing!|Turnip-tossing!]]
|-
| 30 || ESGAROTH || [[#Tell me it ain't true|Tell me it ain't true]]
|-
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Barging in
|author=Brev
|dateposted=02 January 2013
|postbody=I happened to be walking along the Docks the other evening when I noticed Lord BERNAR of Karath hanging around like a man with a purpose. Well of course I was curious, so I kept an eye on him ...

Sadly I didn't witness any clandestine meetings. All he did was greet some Dwarf fellow (BARDUR) fresh off the barge from North Port. Offered him Karath hospitality and started walking back to town with him. What?! You think House Karath is bringing in Dwarven troops to patrol the streets since the unrest over that Arathmor traitor's murder? I never thought of that! I only saw the one fellow, and he was grim and dour enough ... though come to think of it he wasn't wearing mail. Had some pack he said was an instrument, threatened to play it for Bernar. Maybe the plan is to keep the streets clear by unleashing Dwarven caterwauling on us!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Grand designs
|author=Brev
|dateposted=04 January 2013
|postbody=Did you notice that Lady ISOBEL went to visit that carpenter BREV's workshop on the Business Parade yesterday afternoon? Getting information from that stuttering prentice Ottar is like squeezing blood from a stone - why, he wouldn't even tell me who that fine-looking pinewood crib I glimpsed the other day was for! But I did hear him say something to one of the other lads about measuring Taurdain Suites. Do you think Lady Isobel has expansion plans? Where would she get the money? I'm telling you, these nobles don't know which side their bread is buttered on! Most of us are worried about just making it through the winter ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Arresting Development
|author=Celys
|dateposted=05 January 2013
|postbody=Storm or not, it was getting right stuffy in the Flagon the other night so I just had to cut out and get some fresh air. And then I saw a curius sight: a lady, with as fine a cloak as you please, with some men carrying heavy parcels. I was curious, so I crept in to have a better look.

Turns out it was the Lady NAVERINE of Arathmor, with some liveried couriers. They all ducked into the barracks, of all places! Well, I wasn't about to duck in after them, but you can bet I spent the rest of the evening watching the windows. It was hours later that they finally left. And I swear it wasn't just a trick of the lightning, that NAVERINE lady was as smug as you please on her way out.

I didn't think much more of it, only then one of my friends down at the Docks came in and said he'd just seen one of the old Arathmor merchants arrested in his offices! Seems the Watch did proper raids on a handful of the old devils--smuggling, theft, transport of stolen goods, and so on.

I don't know what Lady Naverine said to make the guards so angry--but I bet it wiped that smug look off her face when her cousins were getting locked away. Or maybe, as my friend says, she's gone turncoat and turned them in herself? I sure hope the Council actually gives these Arathmors a trial, though I can't say as I know anyone who'll mind if they get hanged.

I'd sure like to know more, but the boss has us working double since the news broke--I'd bet my boots he's looking to horn in on some new assets, mark my words. Perhaps you could RP and find out what's going on?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Large packages
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=06 January 2013
|postbody=The weather was just terrible last night, terrible. That's why I was so surprised to see that moneylender, BAN Rhinvan, visiting Master BREV's workshop. I could see from my window that he brought some rough-looking customers with him, but they left empty-handed.

I tried to get something out of Ottar, but you know how he is. He got so tangled up and upset, and the only word he got out is "cudgels."

Did Ban mean to rob Brev and backed down? What heavy object were Brev and Ottar carting out in the rain later that evening - a body, or something more innocent? What's the whole story? RP and find out!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Eagles Are Coming
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=06 January 2013
|postbody=You wouldn't believe what I saw the other day - a Giant Eagle (RAUGSAUL)! Oh, you laugh, you do, but I swear I saw it! And Lady ISOBEL spoke to it! It spooked her horse but she and the bird seemed to be conversing peacefully enough... you wouldn't believe how big they are!

- Oh, is /that/ why she came back into town with an elf in tow and grass stains all over her back? I figured... well, never mind. She did say her horse threw her but, well, isn't that what one /would/ say? Though... where does the elf figure? Master ORMESIR is his name, I think. He's staying at the suites.

- Um, well... I dunno. Maybe it was the chap who turned up with her horse after it had bolted? He had his hood down so I couldn't really tell. Anyhow, what does it matter? A giant eagle, man! The stuff of legends! And, ahh, the sight of it taking to the skies again... majestic, I tell you!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The measure of a man
|author=Brev
|dateposted=07 January 2013
|postbody=Did you see Master BREV and his apprentice Ottar out measuring Taurdain Suites the other day? With a ladder to climb up to roof height and all. I heard him telling an enquiring Elf that it was for some sort of survey. What's he need to go doing one of those for? We know how big the place is - too big! Shades half the light from the street ...

Anyway, that Elf. I thought it was a bit odd that he was staying in the Suites and not the Embassy, so I - all right, I listened. Wouldn't you? He said that his name was Or-messy or something (ORMESIR) and that he hadn't come from Mirkwood but some place beyond, I didn't catch the right name. Brev must've been having trouble with the fellow's accent too, going by one unguarded comment. What? No, I won't tell you. The Elf did say he might share some songs or tales in Great Hall or tavern, so maybe you'll get the chance to hear that fancy title of his first-hand.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=On guard
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=08 January 2013
|postbody=The guards were edgy the other day and I'm not sure why. They usually throw me a coin or some bread when they pass by but the night patrol was really late! Think they're afraid to go out since they let Roskar die? When I asked Sergeant LOREN (played by ISOBEL) just shrugged and said that Captain CELYS had wanted to discuss a few things. Queer, don't you think? Suppose they might have lingered on purpose so they didn't have to be out in the storm though!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Liquid Brunch
|author=Brev
|dateposted=10 January 2013
|postbody=That young tearaway LOUSE grows bolder by the day! Why, the other morning she burst into the Flagon (I'm telling you, with the way she treats those swinging doors I'm surprised they're not off their hinges!) and no sooner had she spotted Lady ISOBEL than she was asking the noblewoman to buy her a bowl of stew. Well, I'd not have fallen for it but those Taurdain are always soft in the head.

Someone else who might well be soft in the head is Lady ORIANA. Oh, she's quiet I grant you, but it's the quiet ones you have to watch. Louse spotted her just as she was trying to leave the Flagon ('sneaking', according to the youngster) and the Karath lady confessed to having not yet slept. And she'd been drinking whiskey! Louse started scolding (just what does that sprat know about drinking spirits, I ask you?) and Lady Isobel had to give the girl coin for stew to shut her up. The noblewomen left then, I've no idea what matters they discussed on their walk home.

What could have caused Lady Oriana to drink alone? Which will give out first, Louse's cheek or Isobel's purse? RP and find out ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=(Un)lucky break
|author=Brev
|dateposted=12 January 2013
|postbody=Did you see the Warden's son, RIOLAN, stumbling in to the Healer's House the other day? Green to the gills he looked, and clutching his arm to him. Master BREV the carpenter had to open the door for him, suppose he must have been passing. Lucky, that. Lucky too that the Healer on duty wouldn't let the foreigner 'help' out by treating the injury. I've heard a thing or two about his methods I'd not care to repeat! But not so lucky to have hurt himself in the first place. Just what was RIOLAN doing tripping on the job? Reckon he's been at the bottle while his father's away? He'll rue it now - he can hardly work with his arm bound up.

Funny, I did hear Master BREV say something about finding him alternative employment. Wonder what that was about? I thought the carpenter was supposed to have turned respectable? Time will tell ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Unexpected Visitor
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=12 January 2013
|postbody=I daresay that Lord BERNAR was surprised when Lady ISOBEL of Taurdain stopped by, and so late in the day! I know I was, at least. Still, aside from the... unusual calling time there was nothing really odd about the visit. They holed themselves up in his office, the conference broken only by the arrival of some refreshments, and that's what Lord Karath usually does when he has visitors. Of course they tend to be of a more military kind... what lady calls on a man so late anyway? Why, he could have been in his night clothes!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Behind Closed Doors..
|author=Brev
|dateposted=13 January 2013
|postbody=That carpenter BREV sure is popular around the Suites lately! (Well, I think he and Lady Arla had a bit of a tiff but other than that..) First he was shut up with Lady Niamh, and now it's the daughter! What could he have to say that is so interesting? Why, I'd say that he and Lady ISOBEL were holed up together for at least half an hour! And he certainly seemed uncommonly happy when he left... suppose something good happened? Or maybe he was just glad to be out of there. 's true, Lady Isobel *can* be a bit... overwhelming when she gets in a mood. Ach, like mother, like daughter..
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Almost-visitors?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=16 January 2013
|postbody=You get some strange customers coming to the doors of Taurdain Suites. Like the other day ... Lady ORIANA showed up and asked for Lady ISOBEL, so of course I hurried off to find her. True to form, there she was with a book stuck on the end of her nose ... what? No, it's a turn of phrase, you dunderdhead! What was she reading? She /said/ something about Beomia, but I couldn't help noticing that her hand was covering the title. If you ask me, it was one of those dodgy manuscripts from the top shelf in the library! Why else would she try to hide it?

Anyway, where was I? Oh yes, Lady Oriana. She'd said she wanted to speak to Lady Isobel but then she changed her mind - kept claiming Isobel looked 'very busy'. Busy, my foot! Reading trashy novels ... and the only other person around was the carpenter BREV. He's just been made a retainer of Taurdain, did you know that? You should have see him grinning from ear to ear when it was announced, clearly he reckons he's been offered a good deal. Hah! You want to tell him, or shall I? I imagine we'll see a lot more of the fellow now, to cadge free meals if nothing else. He wasn't slow to head for the kitchen area, leaving Lady Isobel alone with her guest.

Lady Oriana wouldn't stay, though. What did she come here for, then? It beats me, truly it does. When I passed Lady Isobel and Brev a little later I hung around a bit, hoping to hear something, but all I could make out was something about 'ant-trails'. Do you think House Karath has an ant infestation? At this time of year?! Most strange ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Greed is Good
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=20 January 2013
|postbody=I saw Master Ban Rhinvan (BERNAR) wandering the library as listless as could be the other evening. Children... they suck the life right outta ya, don't they?

Master BREV came in looking for a familiar face, and found Ban instead. They were making sly comments like old pals from their faces.

Until they sat down at the same table, and something that foreigner said - "Infirmary," I think - and something the moneylender said - "treasure," "treasury," something like that - and that Brev, he froze right up. Kept a polite face, but things looked cold at that table. And it's like Ban didn't even notice!

Come to think of it, Ban's been acting queer for a little while now. I wonder if he's right in the head... or just got the Dragon's greed-madness.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=What's cooking?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=22 January 2013
|postbody=Did you know that friend of Master BREV's is back in town? The one who slinks along and never speaks. What? He told you his name is GIDON? How in the Bowman's name did you get that out of him? Anyway, I could tell he was around because of the cooking smells. Master Brev always makes more effort when he's got company - sometimes I wonder if he feeds himself at all when he's on his own (you know what men are like!). Sure enough, I saw that Gidon fellow being let in some time afterwards.

Funny, when I was passing on my way down the street a bit later I heard raised voices, something about 'leaving'. Do you reckon Master Brev's cooking's that bad? Or maybe it was the carpenter who was leaving - no, I suppose you're right. He'd hardly spend all that money on workshop premises if he wasn't going to stay there. Anyway, that's what I heard before it all went quiet again. No, I couldn't have hung around longer! Next time you want gossip, go freeze your own arse off!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Lord vs Lad
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=22 January 2013
|postbody=An odd pair dueled one morning at the Training Yard. Overseen by Lord BERNAR Karath, Lord GERIK Karath matched blades with Bernar's young squire, TRISTAN. The youth showed quickness and adroit footwork, while Gerik's swordsmanship was befitting a more experienced soldier.

The young squire received a leather buckler to add to his practice regimen before dashing off to do his chores for Mistress Conwy, while Lord Gerik needed to return to his duties at Thrush Hill. Truly, a soldier may work from sun to sun, but a squire's work is never done.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Strange bedfellows..
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=23 January 2013
|postbody=Those out-of-town Arathmor twins, Lord Thurstan and Lady Naverine (played by CELYS) came calling at Karath Manor last night. I know! Not the usual kind of visitor, and Lord BERNAR was clearly only asking them in out of hospitality. In they went to his private study, and then he offered them a drink.

No idea what they were talking about, but when I was bringing the drinks in, Lord Bernar went abruptly silent. You know how he trusts everyone in House Karath, but whatever he was talking about, he didn't want overheard.

A Bit later, he showed them out, and all parties were quite cordial. Bernar even thanked Thurstan for a gift.

He better be careful; we all know Arathmor generosity hides fangs!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Pride (In The Name Of Love)
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=23 January 2013
|postbody=That carpenter BREV, he must be crazy - he asked to see both Lord BRAEDON and Lady NIAMH (both played by ISOBEL) at the same time in the same room! Doesn't he know how uncomfortable it can get when you get them cooped up together like that? But he would do it... Quite a lengthy conversation it was too and for some reason he was grinning from ear to ear when he came out! What do you make of that?

Well, I'll /tell/ you what I make of that - he immediately went looking for the Lady ISOBEL and for my part I caught a glimpse of them holding hands! You don't think...?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A Captain's Inquest
|author=Celys
|dateposted=23 January 2013
|postbody=A courier arrived at the office of the Council early this morning bearing a letter bearing the official crest of the City Watch, and the personal seal of Lord Celys. After the Council had met to deliberate, it was put on display in the town hall. The message reads:

It has been a long time in coming, but the Watch has completed its inquest into the events surrounding the death of Roskar, Lord Arathmor (for so he must be called, as he was never brought to trial).

Many sworn witnesses, including myself, can vouch that Roskar was long in ill health. This much was not in dispute: unless the office of the Steward is in the habit of burning the letters it receives from the Watch, it will have received several letters written in my own hand and bearing my seal asking that the trial be held without delay. I never received a response to those letters; I humbly suggest that the Council will have an interest in seeing those letters released to the public.

I have extensively reviewed the evidence surrounding the evening of his death. There was no lapse in security. There was no ill-treatment of the prisoner. The only irregularity that occurred at all is that a prisoner was allowed to die before the King's justice could be served, and that irregulary happened outside of the scope of this inquest.

I write this as a humble and faithful servant of the King and of the city of Laketown, and I swear to the verity of these words on my honor as a Taurdain.

Lord Celys

Captain of the Esgaroth Watch
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A little drink?
|author=Brev
|dateposted=24 January 2013
|postbody=Will Lord BERNAR never be free from visitors? When it's not nobles from other Houses holding clandestine meetings at the dead of night (really, what are they thinking of! Daylight would be so much more civilized), it's members of House Karath pestering him. Some of them old enough to know better, too: like Mistress AEBBE, who called on our Lord in his study the other afternoon. I know, because I had to pour tea for them (tea! I'll wager Lord BERNAR would much have preferred his usual whisky). I thought perhaps it might be something about her son - isn't he in Buhr Marling? - but when I answered the bell Mistress Aebbe was asking Bernar when he would marry. That brought on a red face, I can tell you! Do you think Aebbe has someone in mind? Or has Lord Bernar perhaps made his own selection?

But after I poured the tea, just as I was leaving, I heard some mention of Lady Oriana and the word 'erratic'. So perhaps there was another purpose to the conversation, after all.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The Father And Child Reunion
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=25 January 2013
|postbody=The wanderer returns! I heard from their man that Master RIORDAN of Karath has returned to town once more and if you believe the steward it might be about time... seems like young RIOLAN (played by ISOBEL) has been at a bit of a loss without his father though he may not care to admit it! Let's hope the stories their steward has been telling of the youngster's escapades don't get back to the old man, eh?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Connections..
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=25 January 2013
|postbody=In the Fishtale, it isn't what you know but who you know that matters.

So I looked twice when merchant SAEREDA Conwy, Linnea the urchin-monger (played by CELYS), and moneylender Ban Rhinvan (played by BERNAR) were all at the same table acting like fast friends. When connections, savviness, and money travel in the same boat, I want to know where it's going, I'll tell you that.

Ban passed something shiny - coin, it looked to me - to Linnea, and a slip of parchment to Saereda. Is this the beginning of a beautiful friendship?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A frosty meeting
|author=Brev
|dateposted=26 January 2013
|postbody=Ah, but it's cold and frosty in Firespark Lane. The sun never quite seems to reach down there ... and some of the interactions are pretty frosty too. Take the other day. Master BREV and Lady ISOBEL greeted each other quite civilly (more than civilly, I would say! Since when were silly grins and taking a lady's hand part of meeting and greeting?) but when that quiet fellow, GIDON, saw them he looked quite ill and tried to bolt. Brev ran him down (Lady Isobel gave up the chase and followed rather more sedately) but it looked to be a less than a happy meeting. There was talk of hunting, but then Brev must have said something really bad because Gidon hunched up like a snail in its shell, wouldn't look at anyone. Or maybe it was Lady Isobel's mention of a wedding? Any road, she left the two men to their disagreement and they parted ways soon after, both with faces like thunderclouds. Don't they share quarters? Must be pretty grim in that house in the Business Parade after hours.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Concerns and congratulations
|author=Brev
|dateposted=26 January 2013
|postbody=It was a lovely sunny afternoon, and I was just heading down to the Docks to admire the Lake (well, all right, I /was/ hoping to watch the men working too ...) when I had to stop at the crossroads on Merchant's Way to let a cart pass. That's when I noticed Lady AILITH Girion and Master BREV stopping to greet each other. I must say, "How the flames are you?" isn't my idea of civil, but Brev took it in good part and the two were soon chatting like old friends, which I guess they are. Then Lady ISOBEL Taurdain joined them and things got really interesting. I heard it with my own ears (and saw them with my own eyes, ugh!): the Heir of Taurdain and that foreign carpenter are to wed! Though they didn't seem too clear on when - 'autumn' says Lady Isobel, and 'spring' countered the carpenter hopefully.

Why, that poor, poor lady! Her so gently born: to be taken in by some foreigner who's only after her money. Oh, that arm around the waist may have fooled /her/, but I know men better. No wonder he wants to marry her quick before she works it out! I'm surprised her family has allowed it - but then House Taurdain always were far too charitable.

Sadly they didn't reveal any more juicy details; the happy couple-to-be were too busy fussing over Ailith, they seemed concerned she was acting a bit odd. Don't know what they were worried about. If you ask me, anyone who can blaspheme like that is in rude health! Brev rushed off to speak to someone or other and Lady Isobel didn't linger much longer ... oh, wait! There was one more thing: Lady Isobel seemed to want a healer's advice, and agreed to call on the Girion later. You don't think there's sickness in the Taurdain household?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=To Be A Karath
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=27 January 2013
|postbody=Seems it was finally time for Royal Warden RIORDAN's lad to be introduced to the Head of the House now that the High Warden is back in town once again. RIOLAN seemed a bit stiff if you ask me, but I suppose he's rather young still, and to those who have not met Lord BERNAR before he must seem a bit intimidating. What with his impressive build and noble stature and all! Anyway, it went mostly well (Riordan seemed so assured of this that he went to talk with a friend; they were exchanging old battle stories, very interesting!) and Lord Karath graciously offered to help the young pup learn to use his sword. Hopefully Master Riolan gets around to it soon; a Karath who doesn't know how to fight? What is the world coming to?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery
|author=Brev
|dateposted=27 January 2013
|postbody=I've often wondered how a big bear of a man like Lord BERNAR is so quick on his feet. Now I know - in the Training Yard the other night he had his sword on the ground and was leaping back and forward over it. Looked like some barbarian dance! Then Lord GERIK appeared and we got to see some real pretty blade-work too, as the two faced off for a spar.

Someone else must have admired it - I saw that sprat LOUSE pick up one of the wooden training swords and start trying to copy the two men. How I laughed! The combatants didn't seem to mind overmuch, I heard Lord Bernar giving her some good advice afterwards, though the brat took umbrage at being told to 'dance'. Apparently that's only for girls! Hmm, wonder what that makes Bernar and Gerik?
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=The biter, bit?
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=28 January 2013
|postbody=It was a bitterly cold evening, but that wasn't all that was bitter!

My shift at the Flagon was just beginning. Master Delling (played by ISOBEL) had been performing real crowd-pleasers, largely traditional drinking songs. At his first break, a few people came in by different doors: Master BREV, who runs that infirmary, didn't have the Lady Isobel on his arm, and it was a good thing, too! But I'm getting ahead of myself. There was also a real shady-looking customer, hood pulled high to obscure her face, who Brue assured me was actually a Lady - and he was right: the Lady Naverine Arathmor (played by CELYS). How does Brue always know?

I saw the moneylender Ban Rhinvan (played by BERNAR) bring Delling a drink, and then it all went to the Dragon.

I know the bard said Naverine looked suspicious and then, of all things, brought up the sordid business with Master Brev's - well, Master Ban's - wife! Brev went expressionless - you know how he does - but I thought the moneylender might have an apoplectic fit.

No, this was before the Lady Naverine offered Delling a florin to shut up for the rest of the evening.

Well, I thought Ban might beat the bard with that cane he always carries, but instead he just said something, raised his hood, and walked away. Brev wasn't far behind. The Arathmor stared Delling down before walking back to her own food, and then Delling went back to practicing his trade. Not that, I mean performing!

Delling didn't win many loyal listeners that night, I dare say!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Meeting at Healers
|author=Gerik
|dateposted=28 January 2013
|postbody=A strange meeting in the healing house, the other day. It seems a healer remarks. Gerik walked in carrying a satchel wishing to have it refilled for the tower, but met you with Lady Isobel who was being tended to it seemed for feeling ill.

The young Lord of Karath offered to escort the other back home to help but she declined him saying she had errands, seemed she didn't want help just then. He offered to even help her with errands so she could rest. It was then that the Lady of Taurdain just up and walked right out the door!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=News from Girion Place
|author=Riordan
|dateposted=29 January 2013
|postbody=I was cleaning the floors at the Girion Place last night - you know, I got a job there, yes? Oh you didn't? Well, I'll tell you about it later! Either way, I was polishing the pretty tiles and saw Lady ISOBEL come in which apparently isn't uncommon seeing as her cousin lives there and she comes to visit her often. But this time she asked for Miss... well, I guess she's no longer a Miss... well, she asked for AILITH! Why? She sick or? Their meeting was so secretive I couldn't get much information on it because they closed doors and were all quiet in there. But I did 'accidentally' look inside once and saw Lady Taurdain be all red in the face. The Girion healer was as always, I suppose. Did you know she's expecting? No?! Where have you been living? Yeah, she's already about third into the whole ordeal. Everyone's making such a fuss over it here. I wonder why? It's not like Girion doesn't have plenty of children for noble heirs and such. But eh. You know what I'm gonna do with my first salary? I'm going to buy a nice pair of shoes. Spring's coming and all...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Training Exercise
|author=Bernar
|dateposted=30 January 2013
|postbody=The horns blowing at Thrush Hill could be heard from nearby Esgaroth: the troops are to march.

Thrush Hill is where the Knights of the Black Arrow can instruct the most promising in order to make them the best. But garrison experience can only carry you so far, the officers explained to the men.

Accompanying the preparations in Thrush Hill are those in Karath Manor, where Lord Bernar has ordered the House's armsmen to be prepared for their own training exercise.

A destination has not officially been announced, but as one wise old Sergeant told his troops, "If they take you to Buhr Mahrling, you'll take on their rot. If you go to Dale, you'll just learn how to talk pretty. No, boys, it's Iach Celduin for you. I'd stake my life on it." But Sarge stakes his life on a lot of things...

(OOC Note: All soldiers stationed at Thrush Hill and Esgaroth have orders to march. Attendance is not OOCly mandatory, of course, but this will be the primary chance for an intercultural TP. Enter the Barding Camp at the Hillside outside Thrush Hill two rooms west of the Esgaroth Bridge to join the adventure. Onward!)
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Turnip-tossing!
|author=Bardur
|dateposted=30 January 2013
|postbody=Did you know there were Dwarves in Laketown the other day? There was a whole bunch of them camped across the bridge, and they must've been on some trip or other because they were buying up supplies. You couldn't walk through town without bumping into one - why, poor Meggie had her basket of turnips knocked over by one black-bearded fellow (BARDUR) carrying a sack almost as big as himself. He told another skinnier Dwarf (DORN), some pal of his (or his son maybe? Couldn't see anything under that cloak and hood!) to pick them up but that was even worse: next thing the fellow was doing a spot of vegetable-juggling whilst the first one chanted some nonsense rhyme! Now, is that socially acceptable behaviour? The second dwarf even had the cheek to ask for a fee for his 'assistance'! Meggie was having none of that, of course, and eventually the black-bearded one coughed up some money for the basket of damaged vegetables. What he did with them I don't know - I heard him asking in horror if Men-folk actually ate these things ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Tell me it ain't true
|author=Brev
|dateposted=30 January 2013
|postbody=I'm telling you, that cocky young Greenshirt LOUSE has a right cheek! The other evening in the Flagon she dashed up to Lady ISOBEL Taurdain, who was having a nice quiet meal in the seat over by the window, and asked her if it was true that foreigner was marrying her for her money! (Not like we didn't all want to know, but there's some things one just doesn't say.) Lady Isobel denied the charge, but Louse wasn't satisfied and kept pestering the poor woman further until she bought some stew to shut the girl up. Just as well, too: why, some of the things she asked - mind you, growing up in the Decks she can't have any idea of how decent people behave. Why, the poor kid likely never even knew who her father was! Though I can't help wondering if she had a point about Master Riordan ...
}}

[[#Category: Dale|Category: Dale]]

Dale News - 2014-11

2014-11-17T21:38:50Z

File:Oriana.jpg

2014-10-14T21:36:22Z

Barz:

Oriana Karath

2014-10-14T21:35:03Z

Barz:

__NOTOC__
===Title:===

a Lady of Karath; Steward of House Karath
=== ===

[[file:oriana.jpg|right|320px]]

===Description:===

The woman before you is of average height, but she stands with a regal air that makes her seem taller. The gown adorned on her body is a soft peach. It flows to her feet where it meets brown boots, and has sleeves that billow out from the elbows. It is lined in gold and silver trim, and is finished with a gemmed ring upin her right index finger, and a matching necklace with a moonstone pendant that rests above the v-shaped neckline of her dress.

Beyond the flattering outfit is smooth and soft olive skin, her delicate hands can be seen randomly brushing away near-black curls from her head, the hair left to fall loosely around her. Eyes match that darkness, their big and wide and suite her warm smile and delicate nose.

Finishing it all off is cloak that flutters around her, often cought in a breeze or the wind. She wears a clasp to hold it together; it bearing the mark of Karath upon it.

===History:===

Born in the spring of 3034, Oriana is the second child of the late Lord Irin of Karath and his wife Evanna. The eldest of the siblings is her brother, Bernar, who now rules over the house.

She is many years younger then her brother, though unexpected, a gift none the less. To this warrior house a daughter can mean just as much as a son, but what was unexpected was the shyness, the timidity of their daughter. Though bright and kind and warm there was very little talent she had (at the time) for conversing with others and kept, as much as possible, to herself and her books.

But being of Karath that meant also the standard training, as they are a house base on pride and honour there was much in that area she had to learn. So, given a sword and shield like her brother the lass was held to a daily routene of training. Though she showed promise it was said that her lack of interest halted any ability the child may have.

Despite the love for his daughter, Irin found himself closer and more attached to Bernar; his mindset, being geared towards war and battle seemed much more fitting than a little girl who showed no interest in that field. And though not uncommon, it may not have been exactly what he had hoped for in his child.

So did she grow, with daily practice a constant and shyness as her best friend. Life growing up as a Karath was as normal and standard as it could be. That was until her father decided his little girl needed a bigger sense of reality. Going to her with his wife Evanna the three spoke for hours, and it was then decided that Oriana would be sent into the world, not as herself but in the guise of a common woman. This had more purpose to it than simply getting their daughter to come out of her shell. Lord Barlin, cousin and best friend to her father, and more of a uncle then anything else had suggested that her talent might best be used to soften the exposure of their house.

All seemed to agree to this concept, and Oriana couldn't have been happier to get the chance to venture out into far off lands and see the world. So it was shortly after that she had packed up her things, removed the likeness of nobility and set off into the world, with a retinue of guards.

Sixteen was the age she had left, and it was three years that she was gone. A year of that was spent with the Beornings, and their way of life came as a deep shock. It seemed to her that the lines of nobility and wealth meant little if you did not have what was truly meant behind it: family, friends, and people who care for you. The experience had also made her eyes open to a very different way of life. A experience that still, to this day, has remained with her.

Another portion of her time was spent in Dale and other various towns in the vicinity of Karath's land holdings. But it was Celebannon that had brought most of that attention, for it was there that she was privileged to the learn two languages of the Ndaedeldhrim: Sindarin and Bethteur. Oriana had spent much of her time with the Elves, closely learning their languages. It was not easy; they had a fluid and smooth matter about them, and a culture very different from her own. But the rest of her time away the young Karath woman spent closely with a aged Elf with whom she had grown, during her time of study and adventure in their world.

Yes, it may seem odd that the head of the Warrior House had sent out his daughter, to have her learn such lessons, but they brought great benefit. Not only for her but also for the house. And despite how their pride and honour marks them, the Karath standard remained the same: rougher than most, and Oriana was not so. Her time with the Elves had imparted to her an elegance; a poise. The time with the Beornings and visiting Dale and other towns added in a modesty and deeper appreciation for life.

With those three years over and having returned home, it was shortly after that that her father was killed in battle. It was a sad, sad affair and there was much pain and hurt. Having little time for her father to see who she had become, having little time to explain to him her adventures, experiences, and what she brought back to aid the house, she felt much guilt over her time away, despite how it was wanted by all.

And since his death, with the sorrow of a lonely mother, and a brother who has seems to have gone off into his own world, Oriana's hand was all but forced into a return to Esgaroth. Not unwelcome, the move there still proved to be a bit more difficult than expected, with Oriana having been by her mothers side for so long.

But the transition there went smoothly in the end, and now she lives in the fair Laketown, going about her work, helping her brother run the household and bringing all that she had learned with her to help.

[[file:firefly-shindig-inara-sword.jpg|center|560px]]

[[Category: Dale Characters]]
[[Category: Dale Characters - player]]

Dale News - 2014-01

2014-10-07T11:24:41Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 08 || ESGAROTH || [[#Questions, questions!|Questions, questions!]]
|-
| 16 || ESGAROTH || [[#What's in a name day?|What's in a name day?]]
|-
| 16 || ESGAROTH || [[#Let it snow, let it snow..|Let it snow, let it snow..]]
|-
| 21 || ESGAROTH || [[#A stitch in time|A stitch in time]]
|-
| 25 || NEAR ESGAROTH || [[#Early birds?|Early birds?]]
|-
| 26 || CELEBANNON || [[#Friends in Need|Friends in Need]]
|-
| 29 || IACH CELDUIN || [[#Of Dwarves and ditties|Of Dwarves and ditties]]
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Questions, questions!
|author=Brev
|dateposted=08 January 2014
|postbody=Funny how you don't see a foreigner for months and then they all pop up at once!

Take the Flagon the other night, for example. That Elven ambassador from the Woodland Realm - HARUVEN is it, you say? That young Louse told me it was something else - had ensconced himself at a table by the fire with a bottle of wine and a stack of parchments; noone bothered him for a while but then an elderly Dwarf came in and made a beeline that way. GLOIN, I've heard him introduced as. Son of .. yes well, we won't go there. Next thing the old fellow was sitting down beside Haruven and attempting to strike up a conversation. Didn't look happy to be doing it either (and I'd have said his words weren't over-civil!) but there you go. I reckon he was after something. But what? There's a whole bunch of Dwarves showed up in town, they must be up to /some/ funny business.

Whatever it was Gloin wanted, he didn't get it, for Lady ISOBEL Taurdain appeared at that point and was quick to join her friend the Elf (though I noticed her giving the Dwarf funny looks too). The ensuing conversation was clearly too frivolous for Dwarven tastes, for Gloin excused himself soon after, leaving Isobel to lament 'wasted opportunity'. What opportunity, I ask you?

Noone got what they came for - neither Haruven his peace and quiet nor Gloin and Isobel their sought-for information - save Lady ORIANA Karath, who got more than she bargained for: not only a letter from Celebannon delivered by Haruven, but some sort of foreign body in her drink! She left the company to remedy the latter situation and I trust she complained good and loud to Brue! What is the world coming to these days? I know we've had a bad harvest, but that's no reason to adulterate the brews ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=What's in a name day?
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=16 January 2014
|postbody=You know, just the other day there was a big to do at the Taurdain suites, I had my hands full in the kitchen, I'll tell you! But not so full I didn't have time to go and give the cause of the celebration a big kiss! Ach, to think that the little fry is already a year! Well, when she's not screaming she's awfully sweet, that DARA... speaking of sweet - I do believe that Lord BREV is wearing down his wife! She's always too prim and stiff, says I, so it warmed my heart to see her sitting on his lap in plain sight. You'd think the two were still courting, the way they carried on. Well, I smiled but that mother of Lady ISOBEL, she didn't look none too pleased all of the time. Ah well, gave the guests something to talk about at least.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Let it snow, let it snow..
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=16 January 2014
|postbody=It wasn't long after the last snowstorm finally died down that Lady ISOBEL came trudging up to our frontstep, asking to see Lady ORIANA. Well, the Steward has an open door policy, so I heard a good deal of it - seems the two noble Houses have decided to join forces and send a trading caravan south, and the word is they're trading for food, a winter surplus to bring back. You think there's anyone who's got anything to spare, what with such a harsh winter as it's been so far? And we have far to go... brr! If only it'd stop snowing!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=A stitch in time
|author=Gloin
|dateposted=21 January 2014
|postbody=Do Dwarves know how to mend their clothes? Some of them don't, apparently, for I saw one of them approach Mistress MORGAINE the seamstress the other day. It was that old one with the white beard and the silver chain - GLOIN, he's called - but got up in a dowdy grey cloak instead of his usual finery. Seems he was after a bit of mending. That must've put him on the wrong foot, you know how proud she is - and his assumption that the tailor who worked from the premises was a man can't have helped. However she took him inside and I'm guessing she did the job, for the next day he was stomping round in his fancy white cloak again, muttering something about supplies and delays and inefficient Menfolk. Sometimes I don't know why Laketown puts up with Dwarves! If it wasn't that we needed their coin ...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Early birds?
|author=Gloin
|dateposted=25 January 2014
|postbody=I was up the other day before dawn for a spot of night fishing - you know, that spot by the Lake Road that always seems to bring the luck. The sun was just coming up and I was ready to call it a day when I heard the tromp, tromp, tromp of Dwarf boots and the plodding of ponies. A whole caravan of them - they were making so much of a racket I didn't even hear the Elf riding up from the other direction, even though those fancy bells on his harness must have been jingle-jangling. Anyway, they stopped to have a conversation and with sound carrying so well across the water, I couldn't help hearing.

What did they say? Well, aside from the usual how-d'you-do, I learned that HARUVEN has a special affection for Laketown, and that GLOIN and his company are headed through Mirkwood to visit Beorning lands. Why anyone would do that at any time of year, let alone in winter, beats me; Haruven didn't think it a good idea either. Maybe the Dwarves hope the Beorning folk will have foodstuffs to trade - Gloin did say something along those lines (the Elf looked rightly sceptical) but then added that he and his kin were looking for something precious to them. Wonder what it is - a magic sword? A jewelled crown? Doesn't their King have riches enough already?

Gloin's efforts to gain news of the road west met with no success, but Haruven did promise that should the Elves garner information they considered of relevance, it would be shared. Then he excused himself and hurried on - eager for the Flagon and those flasks of wine Brue sets aside for him, I'll wager - and the Dwarves started up all their tramping and clomping again. No fish would stay within a league of that so me, I gave up and went home.
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Friends in Need
|author=Angolinn
|dateposted=26 January 2014
|postbody=Recently, the elven diplomat HARUVEN was returning from Esgaroth when he encountered the Lhingdis ANGOLINN in Celebannon. After some light greetings, the two went indoors and serious conversation began.

Haruven spoke of a food shortage in Dale and the need for baskets of spider silk to aid in preserving the remaining victuals. Angolinn agreed that these baskets would be provided. And other talk of strange matters followed -- a dwarven caravan traveling through the forest in midwinter, the rising dangers of spiders and orcs, and the need to stay close to one's allies.

Hopefully despite the spate of ill news, some good will come from everything...
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Of Dwarves and ditties
|author=Gloin
|dateposted=29 January 2014
|postbody=We had a Dwarven caravan pass through town a few days back. Some might term it disruptive - there was the usual argy-bargy with our traders, not to mention the noise they made (especially when availing themselves of our Inn!). And the mess! Still, they pay well and that's no mistake.

The other night in the Ox and Fiddle, one of them - some unremarkable-looking dark-haired fellow - was trying to entertain us with music and song. Do all those Dwarven ditties sound the same to you? This one was about jewels and blood, and I lost the thread pretty quick. So I listened in instead to an older Dwarf - GLOIN they call him and from the looks of things he was in charge of things - chatting to our barmaid (played by Isobel). Seemed to be fishing for information, he was asking about the roads and our food supplies (and the less said about /that/ the better, I can tell you). Turned out he and his were heading west into Mirkwood, more fool them. Wonder if they'll come rushing back with their tails between their legs? The talk didn't go on long; no sooner had the black-beard finished a song than up jumped this Gloin to stop him from singing another. Funny, I thought all Dwarves loved their music? Apparently there are exceptions.

Oh, did you hear the watchman? He says there's another group of travellers on the Road - Men, he says, coming down from Londaroth. Me, I'm off to see what they're after .... and to make a few coins, if I can.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]

Dale News - 2014-02

2014-10-07T11:12:53Z

__NOTOC__

{| cellpadding=5
! style="text-align:left; width:10%"| Date
! style="text-align:left; width:30%"| Location
! style="text-align:left; width:60%"| Title
|-
| 18 || ESGAROTH || [[#Elven Deliverance|Elven Deliverance]]
|-
| 18 || ESGAROTH || [[#Drumming Up Business|Drumming Up Business]]
|}

{{DaleNews
|title=Elven Deliverance
|author=Isobel
|dateposted=18 February 2014
|postbody="Never thought I'd say it, but I've never been so fond of elves before! Food, at last...!"

"'ere, you don't think it's poisoned, do you? Not, y'know, the elves, but... you never know with those 'igh-ups, might be they think it's the best time to be rid of us, now that we're all so hungry we're eating lake weeds!"

"Dunno, don't care. I'd rather die with a stomach full of delicious poison than of cold and hunger... let's hope the council rationed this extra food carefully, so there's more when we run low."

Well, at least some relief have come for the poorest of Esgaroth - an unexpected boon of food given by King Thranduil's folk has been given out, and the city council promised that they'd do the same thing again in a fortnight. Best hang on 'til then!
}}

{{DaleNews
|title=Drumming Up Business
|author=Aidan
|dateposted=18 February 2014
|postbody=LOUSE was up Firespark Lane and was overcome by the fishy smell. Along came AIDAN who offered the girl a free first drink at his new establishment off of Market Square known as The Longboat. DELLING, who was around as well, was offered a chance to do some minstrelling, but Louse said that the minstrel was loud and not what Aidan wanted. Delling cut the girl down by saying that she was the one who was loud and had lost jobs because of it. Charmed by this duo, Aidan led things back to his common room to have a chat with Delling while Louse had her drink.
}}

[[Category: Dale News]]