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Campaign of the Month: December 2020

House Jasper

The Women in Pink

After confirming room at the knight’s paddock is available for the Jasper mounts, I head back to the docks and begin unloading horses when I notice two figures obscured behind crates and debris on the docks. Their both looking away, but notably out of place with their fine pink dresses on. I can see they are two older women with grey hair one with short hair and the other with long hair.
Tugged by my curiosity about these dockside oddities, I approach them gently and ask if they’re okay, but they assure me all is well and their coolness makes it unbearable to stick around. As I walk away I can’t shake how strange the sight was, so return to the ship to lock myself away before warging into August and returning to the scene.
I sniff around the debris and overhear their soft chatter, “it’s just a mutt…”, “…the girl meant to harm….”, “…I know, it just makes me uncomfortable…”. They eventually settle into a peaceful silence and take each others hands while looking out over the water.
It ‘s hard to tell if the scene is romantic so in an effor tto get closer, I grab a bit of broken dock in my mouth and bring it to them to drop at their feet. “Oh goodness, now it wants to play,” one says, “now shoo! Shoo!” I ignore her command and drop into a play bow with an excited waggy to try to get them to pay attention to me, but it is to no avail. “Just ignore it,” the other says, "it’ll go away if we pay it no mind." I settle down a few feet away for some time and can’t pick up on their energy, so eventually return to bring the horses to the paddock.

26

JUL/2023

How do you solve a problem like Ser Bruce?

With Ser Bruce in the dungeons, the council gathers to discuss his fate. Lord Theodore recalls that House Belmore is in good standing with House Arryn, following perhaps only house Royce and a few others. We all agree that keeping or killing Ser Bruce is an almost certain bid for war, however, sending him may also have dire consequences. The rest of the small council ruminated on Lady Alys’ warning about their two kills for our nine, along with taking their horses and imprisoning their son, and how that would look to other houses. I reminded the others that it’s important to control the narrative beyond the numbers, that Ser Bruce and his hunting party were systematically hunting down humans and brutally mutilating them, that this kind of cruel insanity going unchecked poses a risk to all in the Fingers. After much deliberation, we agree we will let Ser Bruce go, and send a message by Rhaella to Snakewood’s maester to send to the citadel by raven with a request for new maester. While discussing how to develop more good will with our neighbors after realizing how few friends we have to call on in times of war, we receive an invitation from Lord Daryl of House Pryor, inviting House Jasper to a tournament in celebration of their appointment to Marshall of the Fingers.

17

MAY/2023

Starting a fight with a killer

A few days after leaving Strong Song, we encounter a group of 10 people. It’s a hunting party from House Belmore, Sir Bruce is the leader. I look over to Wilhelm, he gives me a subtle nod that this is the man he saw in his tavern. We make pleasantries with the group for a few minutes. We ask them what they hunt, and Sir Bruce is a bit cagey, only saying they hunt exotic game. He has no regard for land boundaries set by civilized Lordships, claiming he merely “follows the hunt wherever it takes him”. I see he has a battle axe and a purple cloak, exactly the same as the vision I saw in Bethlezar’s eyeball soup! This must be our culprit!

After a few moments with the hunting party at the trail intersection, a line rider begins to approach from the east. Its Ser Darron! What great timing! I feel there’s a skirmish looming and his sword carries great weight! Shortly after, it appears the Dolins tries to pull Darron aside and it makes Ser Bruce uneasy.

As Ser Bruce indicates he’s moving on, Clink pulls out his morning star and clashes it against his shield, accusing Ser Bruce of hunting on Jasper lands and demanding payment. I like Clink, perhaps he’s too blunt, but I appreciate his enthusiasm. Then out of nowhere… AUGUST JUMPS OFF A CLIFF AND LANDS A SURPRISE ATTACK ON SER BRUCE!!! AMAZING!!! We must get in there to help August! I pull my sword and do what I do best… distract my opponents.

12

APR/2023

Tracking the Lavender Cloak, Pt III

I stick around long enough to learn that “Sir” is Ser Bruce, a man with red hair that dons a faded purple cloak every time he complains of a draft. This has to be the man I’m looking for, so I remain, watching and waiting, until an opportunity to get closer arrives. Until then, I can’t help but notice two things. One, that Slim remains in one chair just out of sight for the remainder of our time at the lodge. He occasionally speaks and others bring him food and water to drink, and change his chamber pot, but he does not leave the chair. Two, the lodge is littered with weapons, spears, bows, and most importantly, an axe always within reach of Ser Bruce.

Two days after I arrive, early in the morning, some commotion raises my hackles. Several men in the party saddle their horses, and Ser Bruce walks out into the cold and crisp morning air, shouting at the rest of his group that they are to mount up, as they have a long day riding east ahead of them. Castle Snownook and Jasper lands are east…I can’t let him hunt down another innocent person.

I follow the party from not far behind as their shaggy horses carefully pick their way down the mountain path until we reach an intersection. I’m not sure if the gods have blessed or cursed me when I see the House Jasper party reaching the intersection at the same time. The two groups speak for a few minutes, and there is palpable tension in the air. I creep closer, perched on higher ground, and get close enough to notice subtle but knowing glances among all of House Jasper’s riders. Ser Bruce confirms he’s going hunting but refuses to divulge what exactly he’s hunting for, which tips Clink over the edge. He explodes, shouting, “we know who you are!” Ser Bruce is visibly confused, opening the door for me to descend from above.

I pounce from the stony ledge and sink my teeth into Ser Bruce’s neck, shaking him back and forth, spraying my fur with blood. The shock and horror is clear in his eyes and he screams “rabid dog!” as he pulls his battle axe to swing at me. It hits, but I’m surged with adrenaline and leap at him again, this time, mostly getting a mouthful of fur. I am relieved to see House Jasper charge towards us from twenty yards away as Teddy yells “I bet you eat your victim’s heads too!” raising his long sword above his head. As an arrow from Ser Darron whizzes past us, I fully realize the damage Ser Bruce has imparted on me with only a moment to decide whether to run or continue to fight….

12

APR/2023

Tracking the Lavender Cloak, Pt II

After realizing one of the voices is Slim, I lean in towards the building a bit harder only to hear a few quick footsteps towards the front door. I bolt out front to see a middle aged man toss some more dinner scraps out to the two guard dogs. Seeing an opportunity, I crawl towards the man while the other dogs are distracted and do my very best to win him over. He leans over with a smile, and happily offers up some belly rubs, giving me the opportunity to get a good look at him. The man has light brown hair and freckles, and is dressed in furs and tailored garments and fine leather boots. I make note that he is also carrying a dagger on his hip.
After a few minutes, the man stretches his back and goes to walk back inside. I do my best to convince him that I am, in fact, an indoor dog and not one of these mangy mutts, but with a laugh, he says aloud that “Sir wouldn’t like it if I let you in,” squeezing through the door leaving me out in the cold. Hm…Sir. Who is Sir?
I carry on trying to listen to the goings on of the lodge, deducing there are probably at least a half dozen people milling about, including one pacing in a lofted area above. Between the conversation with Slim I overheard and the yet-to-be-seen man in charge, I decide it’s most important to stick around and continue to observe.

5

APR/2023

Tracking the Lavender Cloak

Feeling a bit shoved aside by these newcomers, Clink and Clank, and not wanting my contributions and value to the house to be overshadowed, I hastily make the decision to pursue the lavender cloaked red haired killer myself, in hopes of ending his reign of terror before the house’s newest additions have the chance. I tuck myself away and warg into August to set out in pursuit of the murderer.

After two weeks of tracking, I catch a whiff of something new…other dogs. This strikes me as odd, so I slow my pace and hunker down to observe over a cliff. I spy two dogs lounging outside kennels of a hunting lodge. Occasionally, a bundled up man or woman will come out to check on the horses. A lavender banner flaps in the bitterly cold wind. After a few hours of limited activity, I slink closer to the building to get closer to the windows.

The backside window peeks into a store room, so needing to get closer I tiptoe towards the next window. The guard dogs are good at their jobs, and come ripping around the corner, snarling and sprinting towards me. I crouch with a low wagging tail, and taking an appeasing stance. They soften and sniff and circle before moving on moments before a woman’s voice rings out into the cold air, banging pots together and calling for meal time. As quickly as the guard dogs arrive, they depart, and I follow on their heels.

The bundled woman stands out front with scraps that make me drool. I flop onto my back and wiggle around in the snow in an attempt to warm her to sharing with me, or even let me inside with no success. She kicks snow and tells me to get lost, and I slink back around the windows where I started, happy that the guard dogs are distracted.

Through the first window, I see a firepit straight ahead and move onto the the second window, where I see a man standing a talking to another. In the third and fouth windows I peek through into a kitchen, so circle back to the second window to get a closer look at the man, who is speaking animatedly to another just out of view. In hopes of hearing more if their conversation I crouch below the window sill and grow very still to listen intently. “What do you mean it’s not her?” the freckled man shouts. “I don’t know what to tell you, its not her,” the man out of view responded, stumbling over his words and exasperating the freckled man. “I can’t believe it’s come to this!” My ears prick up at a third voice, who says calmly, “just be patient, I’m sure that our new friend here will be able to get us exactly who we’re looking for”.

I recognize this stumbling, bumbling nervous voice-it’s clearly Slim. What is Slim doing out in the Mountains of the Moon? Who are they looking for? Is the freckled man the killer? I hunker down closer to the building to try and gather more information.

22

MAR/2023

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Apr 04, 2023

Coming up in the world and refining myself

Clink goes maesterly

All without the constant threat of death. Not a bad way to spend some time. Farewell for now. Carsen

…

Now that I am an Honorable Knight of house Jasper it is time I, Clink, take on some scholarly pursuits. I also wish to document my rise as the finest knight of the 7 kingdoms. It was just my luck that as I passed a farm, I came across a wretched farmer who had a book he no longer needed. The fool didn’t know what he had in his possession, even though he all but said these pages are done in Valyrian Guiding. This book is exquisite, and it only cost me 2 dragons. I almost feel bad for the old man, but as they say a book for a farmer is like nipples on a breastplate. I will do far better with this than he ever would, and worst case I can always sell it for a tidy profit!

8

MAR/2023

4 comments

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Mar 18, 2023

HA! That's what you get

Really, What were you hoping to accomplish...?

Ha! Serves him right! What in the world did the lordling think he was accomplishing coming after me? Me?! His only banner man, and a known servant of the vale. Best case he has no bannerman and looks like a fool, and worst case he has a very unfriendly banner man and looks like a fool. How would house Jasper be better off without me?! Good luck next time they want to steal something, sneak around, or take a long shot (Hehe, puns). I guess they’ll try asking nicely now. Good luck with that! Jon Arryn is truly a just and observant lord. If any more trouble stirs up, I think I’ll pay him a visit myself. With all I’ve done for the realm he would surely take me on as a bannerman and protect us Thornes for all we’ve done for the Vale. I mean really, what did our lord hope to accomplish?!

I digress…Hmm… What’s next? Well journal, I am not sure, but I think things will be a lot less eventful for me in the coming months. I guess that means I won’t be writing in you much. Time for some much-needed rest, a rebuilding of my mine, and the finishing of my castle. All without the constant threat of death. Not a bad way to spend some time. Farewell for now. Carsen

8

MAR/2023

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Mar 09, 2023

A Visit with a Witch

The next day, Teddy, Ser Dolins and I head to the witches hut. We arrive at Bethlazar’s, and when I announce our arrival she pops her head over her grassy roof, and welcomes us in. I explain the events of the day before while Teddy reveals the eyes we found on the body, laying them on the table. She pokes the eyes, taps her fingers on her side for a moment, and looks to the cauldron…“that WAS lunch…but now, a new purpose!”. After tossing the contents of the cauldron, she rushes around the room gathering bits and bobs to add the the kettle, until she looks at Teddy and asks for a gift. He pats around his pockets with surprise, until he reveals a single copper to hand to the woman. I mumble under my breath, “kind of a crappy gift…” while she throws it into the cauldron with the eyes. “Now we wait,” she says with a smile.

After some time, the cauldron returns to a boil, and Bethlazar pours herself a mug of the mixture and takes a long drink. “Jasper knight!” she exclaims. The three of us look at one another in befuddlement. “She saw one,” the witch tries to explain. She?? “The eyes belong to a female?” Dolins asks, and gets a cackle in reply. “Do you know who the eyes belong to?” I ask. Bethlazar responds, “I do not,” and states again she saw a Jasper knight, who was old. We stew in our confusion further until Teddy proposes Dolins taking a drink to see if he can recognize the person Bethlazar is speaking of. To all our surprise, he agrees, and Bethlazar cackles. She tosses the contents of her cup onto the ground, and thrusts a cup into Dolins hands. Despite his skepticism, he takes a long drink, but says he sees nothing. Teddy looks to me next. “If it’s okay with Bethlazar…” I responded. She cackles again, and hands me a fresh cup of the brew. I toss it back, and nearly gag at the awful taste of rotten blueberries and feet that have been stuck in riding boots for too long without a wash. All for naught-I also see nothing.

When we’ve exhausted our questions about the eyes, I ask Bethlazar about “the singers” the clansmen and the old man in the cave describe. She confirms she’s heard of them, and that they come from the west. The witch declares that they hunt on full moons, the alst being 4-5 days ago, and indicates that she does not think they are a threat to House Jasper.

Before we leave, desperate for more information about Bethlazar’s vision, Lord Theodore asks for the chance to drink the contents of the cauldron himself.

Eventually Lord Theodore agrees to try it himself. He clearly has a reaction which lasts a few seconds, until he returns and asks Bethlazar about what he saw. “You said you saw an old JAsper knight? I saw a young shirtless man with painted skin!” Her eyes grow wide and she starts hustling us out the door. “Time for a nap!”

When we reach the road, Teddy shares that as he was walking out her door, Bethlazar scolded him with a sly smile about the “gift” he gave her. I knew a copper was too low a price for the talents of Bethlazar, but am relieved to get a more accurate vision. He shares that in the vision, the murdered party was killed by a battle axe, and notes that this is a castle forged weapon wielded by a man who looks to be a wild clansman.

22

FEB/2023

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Mar 09, 2023

Honors Bestowed

I’m approached one morning after Lord Theodore and his trusted men have departed for Gulltown by the house messenger, Rhaella, who invites me for a ride. I gladly agree and am quietly happy to show off my riding skills to someone as talented on a horse as Rhaella. Overlooking a lovely valley in House Jasper’s lands, she asks if I would be interested in assisting her with her messenger duties, as the house’s correspondence needs have grown with its responsibilities. Moved by her consideration of me, I agree enthusiastically and pepper her with questions about the role. We carry on, enjoying the day’s gift of sunshine, until we come across a gathering of young adolescents and children moving rocks around, being overseen by a pair of adult. We observe from afar for a bit until my curiosity gets the best of me, and I approach the scene with August. Under the guise of a town girl looking for her dog, I inquire about their mission, and the woman introduces herself as a septa, and informs me that they are building a sept. Upon my return to Rhaella, she narrows her eyebrows at this, and we agree she should notify Lord Ronnel.

Only a few days later, I’m approached again, this time by Gregoriy. He shares that following the miracle he performed on Lord Ronnel, that he’s been appointed the ancient position of the Beacon of Light to the house. I congratulate him on this tremendous but well deserved honor as he expands on the positions’ duties, and his intention to create a council to assist with his decision making. To my shock, he invites me to join the council! I choke on the air in my lungs, “me? Surely you do not mean me…” but he protests and thinks having a young person familiar with the customs of the area would be beneficial in considering matters of local justice. I accept on the condition that Rhaella does not think it will get in the way of the role I accepted with her, and she encourages me to move forward with it.

Unfortunately, the first matter for the council is one far above my head. Gregoriy, I, and the other council member, Brock, heads to the cells to meet with Stephanie, a toothless crude woman, who confirms Gregoriy’s inquiries about her knowingly giving pox to her “suitors”. I feel my face get hot and hands get clammy as humiliating subjects from the sheer number of her partners to “sheepskin” arise. But after some deliberation, the council civilly agrees that tattooing the woman with a warning for her future potential suitors on her upper leg may prevent the infectious disease from spreading further throughout the town.

I am relieved to have a reason to take some time away from Castle Snownook after this experience, as Lord Ronnel sends me to deliver my first message! Per his instructions, I ride Kusa to Snakewood and hand deliver a sealed message to their maester Glynn. He responds with a cryptic warning of what happens to messengers who read their delivery materials.

27

JAN/2022

The Murder of a Bear

As Gregoriy and his comrades, Niall, Vesna and Kira, and I are preparing to leave, my father calls me over to him in a gruff voice. I see his arms are crossed, and he has a stern look on his face, so I hop on my sand steed and trot over to him, standing several feet over him. “I know what you’re doing!” I allow the silence to hang in the air between us for a long while. "A bear?1 Have I taught you

After warging into a raven and finding a bear from the air, I point the Order of the Darkwash in its direction. When we find it nibbling berries by a creek, quietly, Gregoriy explains the purpose of the mission-that we must kill the bear in a calm state with the eventual goal of healing Lord Ronnel’s sight. My heart sinks, and I step away and take a few deep breaths of forest air while considering his proposal. To be a part of such a vicious act towards such a majestic creature…unfathomable. But…it is for the good of the house, and for the good of Lord Ronnel. I’ve always wanted to be a part of the betterment of the house, yes? Well here’s my chance, am I going to let it go? Because of my own girlish wishes? Seven hells, it is time to grow up, Summer!

We start approaching the bear but it gets spooked quickly and starts to run off. “Wait!” I scamper after it and coo softly, “come back, friend.” The bear looks at me with curiosity and I give it a big smile back. I entice it back towards the creek and engage it in play, chasing and exploring the banks together. Each time Gregoriy approaches, the bear gets spooked, so I gently suggest from afar that he sneak attack. After some time, I see a glimpse of Gregoiy quickly followed by a flash of his axe, and the bear collapses, dead. I too, collapse, into a fit of sobs.

Gregoriy gets to work right away collecting the blood of the bear, while Vesna and the rest of the Order surround me with comforting gestures. When he’s done, I walk over to the bear and crouch beside it, apologizing and whisper “please help Lord Ronnel…please let this all be worth it…please don’t let your life be for waste…”

We all slowly and somberly make our way back to Castle Snownook, and prior to entering the castle walls, Gregoriy expresses his sadness and condolences for what he’s put me through today. I try to muster the strength to respond, but can only manage a sniffling nod.

30

DEC/2021

A Thank You Note

For a wonderful visit

Honorable Lord Rowan,

I regret that we did not have the opportunity to meet during my visit to Golden Grove, you have a lovely staff in your service and a wonderful castle, which I am sure is a reflection of your leadership. In our unfortunate haste, my companions and I were not able to take our belongings with us, some of which are not easily replaced. I graciously request the return of our belongings to Snownook, seat of House Jasper in the Vail. Upon whole return of our belongings, you will be compensated for your troubles.

Graciously,
Theodore Jasper

9

DEC/2021

The Helpful Mouse

With a little magic, Ser Dolins created a perfect lock pick for the steel door, gaining us entry to the small room. Sure enough, there Victorinox remained, wrapped tightly in a cloth, its glory concealed. I delight and tip tap my mouse feet around while Teddy, Dolins and Gregoriy devise a strategy for our departure.

At the top of the stairwell I motion for the crew to halt. Damn! Guards at each door…no way out. I scurry around and scratch my head, until I come across a store room. Perfect! I’ll create a distraction! With all my might I shove a goblet off a shelf. One guard casually pops his head in, but shrugs and carries on. I cross the hall to find a kitchen and try again. A pan clatters to the floor. “Darryl! Seven hells! Keep it down in there will ya?” The same guard from this hallway groans, but the one at the main entrance remains. Frantic, I look around. A-ha! Fire….

I gather a pile of kindling around the room-stale bits of crusty bread, textiles, bit of paper-and set it ablaze. Sure enough, the smoke drifts into the hallway, and the nearest guard yells “FIRE!”. The man from the main entrance bursts through the door and without hesitation, I motion for House Jasper to run out the unguarded door.

We hide in a nearby bush, and try to devise a plan. Gregoriy, the klutz that he is tries hiding in another bush, but attracts the attention of a nearby outer guard passing by in the most foul manner. He quickly surrenders and he and the man pass by us on their way back inside toward the cells. Faster than a flash, Ser Dolins steps out behind the guard and cuts him down in one motion with Victorinox. We stand there, flabbergasted at the power of our reclaimed Valyrian sword, as well as the one wielding it! I return to my human form and notify Ser Darron that we need his help getting out beyond the walls. “Great! I’ll be there in a few hours!” I feel my jaw hit the floor- “A few HOURS? A FEW HOURS?! Arghh!!” and return to the castle in my mouse form.

With another game of charades I let the others know that Darron will be here in 3 hours. We find another store room to hide out in and I stand watch waiting for signs of our rescue.

Sure enough, a mystery caravan pops through the gates after some time, and a young man appears to tell a dramatic tale to anyone n the courtyard who will listen. The guard tack up and depart-and Ser Dolins peeks his face out of the caravan! We all sprint towards our rescuer and leap in, with our prize in hand.

18

NOV/2021

Ser Darron's Journal 24

Darron: I wish the others would return. Sure hope they’re alright.

Shaymus: I just wish we had some food, but this is no time to go looking for it. Not with those riders scouting the area.

Darron: Well, we could always eat her horse while she’s away (gestures at Summer)

Summer: (Stares glassy-eyed into space.)

Shaymus: Ho Ho! Darron, what a good joke! However it is WIDELY known that you LOVE HORSES and would be DISTRAUGHT if HARM were to befall that animal!

Darron: It is true. There’s only one thing in the Seven Kingdoms I care for more than horses and that’s…

Shaymus: Why a SQUIRE, of course. Your trait of being stern with BUT DEEP DOWN INCREDIBLY KIND TO your SQUIRES continues to this day.

Darron: Well, I was going to say A FRIEND, but YES I am INCREDIBLY HEARTBROKEN that my DEAR Thomas fell to the Ironborn. It was only my recently acquired DEEP-SEATED FEAR of the Ironborn following my own NEAR-DEATH WHILE SAVING DOLLINS that prevented me from pursuing his murderers. However, I did DONATE a SIGNIFICANT sum of GOLD to an ORPHANAGE in Oldtown in the hopes that it may ease the suffering of some other children.

Shaymus: Wow, Darron. You truly are a GREAT GUY. I know you’re telling the truth because you are an HONORABLE KNIGHT and would only ever lie in the most DIRE of CIRCUMSTANCES when it is NECESSARY to PROTECT your FRIENDS.

Darron: It is true. I lied about the sword because I see the Jasparians as FAMILY and wish to see NO more BLOODSHED in the name of that piece of metal. The TRUE PRICELESS ARTIFACTS are the RELATIONSHIPS WE’VE FORGED ALONG THE WAY.

Shaymus: You are without question the MOST NOBLE KNIGHT in the Seven Kingdoms and I would be honored to buy you SIX PINTS of Bandallon Ale next time we happen across a tavern.

Summer: (Still warging, but most likely agrees.)

1

OCT/2021

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Oct 02, 2021

Thoughts from a Lordling in the Reach

Summer catches Ser Darron trying to hide his failure…

We’ve come all this way across Westeros for one reason, to get the Jasper family sword back! Well also a second reason – I need to collect on my investment in that silver mine – but that aside, Ser Darron’s stunt is unacceptable. He failed to acquire the sword from the Black Shield in combat then attempted to cover his failure claiming he threw the family sword down a well! How disloyal! How shameful for a knight! This deed will not go without reprimand, gods no.

Guards of Golden Grove take Teddy, Dolins, and Gregoriy into custody for the night…

How fortuitous this predicament is! The rotund guard promises me an audience with the Lord of Golden Grove in the morning. I dare say this is the perfect opportunity to make all of this right. I’ll just bide my time until the morning.

Summer (form of mouse) shows up and breaks the three of them out of jail…

Seven hells, there’s no way I can make an arrangement with the Lord now! We’re disrespecting his rule by breaking out of jail!

Oh! Summer knows where the sword is!

Oh… its heavily guarded…

Maybe we can sneak into the Lords chambers and “encourage” him to take my offer. It can’t be too hard to get there while everyone is sleeping, especially with Summer leading the way!

Gregoriy takes 2 extremely loud steps and immediately wakes the first guard we see…

Well fuck me.

30

SEP/2021

2 comments

Last commented on:

Oct 02, 2021

Quieter than a Mouse

I remained in the field with hopes of setting eyes of Lord Theodore and his escorts, but was met instead by a large knight of House Goldengrove. He questioned me, and warned me of some ruthless bandits out and about. I had to stifle a giggle when I realized, the bandits he’s speaking of are us!
After he carried on, continuing the search for the “bandits”, Ser Darron and Seamus eventually circled back and we realized that Teddy, Gregoriy and Ser Dolins weren’t coming. We made camp and I returned to the castle as the field mouse, hoping to hear even a snippet of information about where the rest of House Jasper may be.
Fortunately, I hear a lot more than a snippet! I stumble upon a conversation the large man is having about mysterious travellers from this morning’s market down in the cells and scurry back down the the basement. Sure enough, I find our companions behind heavy wooden doors. After a painstaking game of charades with Lord Theodore, I move onto the next cell, and find a more even keeled Dolins. He doesn’’t know where the keys are but promises he’ll stay quiet until we can bring help. Stay quiet!! That’s IT!! I shake my head with all my might, and then bang my little mouse hands against the wooden wall and point emphatically at Dolins. I see a spark light up in his eyes- “you want me to make a bunch of noise?” I nod and smile and scurry back to the hallway while Dolins makes a ruckus in his cell. Sure enough, a minute or so later, the fat knight comes bumbling down the basement stairs and yells at the jailer, a few doors down. They check on the prisoners, but I’m watching closely for their return movements. The jailer haphazardly throws the cell keys on a table, and I wait for him to fall asleep.

When his snoring reaches new depths, I grab a key and drag it off the table. It falls to the ground with a clatter and I hold my breath-the jailer stirs, but begins snoring again only a few moments later. Phew! I’m able to bring the key all the way to Dolins, who brilliantly reaches through the slat in the door and unlocks his cell, before quickly unlocking the others.

Together at last I gather them closely, and pantomime swinging a sword in the most dramatic fashion I can. Teddy, with his eye on the prize, knows exactly what I’m referring to. “You know where the sword is?!” I nod enthusiastically. “Is it heavily guarded?!” My eyes widen, thinking of the heavy, masterfully crafted steel door, and nod again more slowly. His eyes narrow as a smile creeps across his face. “Well, are we ready to get what we came here for?” As we creep away from the cells, me leading the way towards to other side of the basement, Gregoriy trips, sending sounds bouncing across the stone walls.

“HEY!!!!!!”-the jailers voice rings out…

30

SEP/2021

2 comments

Last commented on:

Oct 02, 2021

A Knight Without Honor

A fight quickly ensues out ahead between Ser Darron and the Flowers man, and a separate chase stirs amongst Gregoriy, Ser Dolins and Flowers’ squire. “Would you like me to send August into the mix, my Lord?” I ask Teddy. “Nah,” he rebuffs, “looks like they have everything under control.”. Carsen also remains, but draws his bow. After some awful blows, and a short disappearance of Darron, the Flowers men ride away and Ser Darron returns…empty handed.

The knight spins a tall tale of feeling some bad energy from the sword he fought Matthew Flowers for, and reports he threw it in a well in order to save the house from a curse, urging us to turn around and go home. His words drip with dishonesty, and I respond, seething, “you mean to tell me….that we traveled all this way…got Thomas killed…for you to throw away a precious, priceless House Jasper heirloom?!” I should feel shame for such an emotional outburst to a higher ranking member of the house, especially in front of the honorable lordling, but the knight’s behavior is so despicable I cannot help myself!

Fortunately, Lord Theodore supports my line of questioning, and he, Ser Carsen and I approach the well. As if by a miracle, the sword sits atop the water bucket only a few feet below the lip. Enraged, I raise it above my head and formally accuse the knight of his dishonesty towards his leader. All I can think of is sweet Thomas,_ this man’s own squire_, having died for nothing if Ser Darron had gotten his way and we had headed home empty handed. All of the blood shed, all of the suffering, for nothing?

I am not the only one who sees the crime in the knight’s behavior, and Lord Theodore insists we carry on, after wondering out loud if the knight has gotten too old for his post. For a moment, Darron mumbles about parting from the group, but quickly and visibly considers the implications for disobeying an order, especially following such a blatant lie to his lord. We trot, silently and in great tension, towards Golden Grove.

9

SEP/2021

1 comment

Last commented on:

Sep 15, 2021

Where House Jasper goes, trouble follows...

While crossing the river, Darron and Bert get tangled in a nasty fight about the location of the sword, but I’m still so angry at the knight and lost in my grief that I can’t muster the fight to assist him. Carsen and Gregoriy pig pile on, and Bert’s horse quickly takes a swift blow to the knee from the priest’s axe. I wail at the horror of the sight as Carsen pierces Bert with a masterfully placed arrow, and Dolins wraps the man in a net, reminding the group he needs to be kept alive for information. They gain intel that I dont really comprehend, about some town I’ve never heard of, and Ser Darron lets the man go like some used and emptied flagon.

I had dreamed of leaving home for adventure and intrigue, but now that I’m deep in the swashbuckling and ruthlessness, I quietly miss Castle Snownook, my mother, and simple days tending to the stables.

It doesn’t take long after crossing the river to stumble into more trouble. We approach two men by a creek, and Ser Darron commands the group to draw our weapons. Only a moment later the men see us…and take off. Darron drives his heels into his newly acquired sand steed, and the beast’s speed and strength are a wonder to behold. I barely notice Dolins and Gregoriy follow in hot pursuit, but when Lord Theodore remains at a consistent pace, August and I stay with him. It is his judgement and wisdom that must guide me through this journey, in order to eventually return home, gods willing.

2

SEP/2021

1 comment

Last commented on:

Sep 15, 2021

Farewell, Thomas

As if by a miracle, we make our way back to the Rambis, missing Thomas. Frantically, I ask where my friend is, and Ser Darron makes a joke about not going back to the island to get the easily distracted young man. Gregoriy and Areo speak in Norvosi and notify the house that Thomas was killed in the fight. I collapse in a sob, and sweet August comes to comfort me despite the poor shape he is in. My heart is broken for my sweet friend, who was so close to freedom, and rage for the dismantling of our plan and the results of my comrades’ recklessness.

The next few days are spent silently focused on healing with what limited abilities I have. I focus my attention on Lord Theodore and August, as well as Ser Dolins. With all the distraction, between the healing tasks and being absorbed in my own thoughts, the time passes quickly, and we wake up in Old Town, where I replace my lost stiletto with a small sword, and prepare my horses for the journey in land.

12

AUG/2021