Point of view: Crenna
Main character: Joryn
Major participant: Aldwyn
Major participant: Crenna
Passerby: Theq
Joryn Quits (Jan 2, 2016)
-+-+-
It is 4 o'clock am, on the 23rd day of the month of Adar, year 1092.
According to legend and prophecy, this is the Zunth Turn of the Wheel.
The official forums are now at '
http://forums.wotmud.info' enjoy!
(Server: Sat Jan 2 20:58:05 2016 EST, up for 20 hours, 25 minutes)
Reception of the Soaring Hawk Inn
A long hallway leads into dozens of tidy rooms that are constantly cleaned.
A large desk lays against one side of the room, behind which the innkeeper
rents out his rooms to customers. A large fireplace is built into the southern
wall, and warms the room.
A ledger lies on a small stand.
[ obvious exits: D ]
A finely crafted jewelry box made of dark colored wood sits here.
The innkeeper bustles about, helping guests into rooms.
Crenna wakes up and prepares to start the day.
Crenna , once dressed, notices something placed on the dresser.
Crenna smiles happily.
Crenna gets a finely crafted jewelry box.
exa box
It is a finely crafted jewelry box.
n you look inside, you see:
box (carried) :
[6] a lily
[6] a long-stemmed crimson rose
Crenna looks at the box turning it around to see the workmanship.
Crenna opens it, curiously.
Crenna 's eyes twinkle in happiness.
Crenna gets a lily from a finely crafted jewelry box. (6)
Crenna gets a long-stemmed crimson rose from a finely crafted jewelry box. (6)
Crenna holds the bouquet and breathes deeply.
Crenna picks one of the roses from the bunch, handling it with care.
Crenna takes out her diary, and carefully presses a single petal between the pages.
Crenna smiles happily.
Crenna stops using a gator skin bracer.
Crenna forms the stem slowly bending it with her fingers.
Crenna puts a long-stemmed crimson rose on around her right wrist.
Crenna smiles happily.
Crenna breathes in deeply again from the bouquet.
Crenna leaves her room, arriving at reception, with the flowers in hand.
Crenna whispers to the innkeeper 'I don't suppose you'd have a vase for these?'
Crenna smiles as the innkeeper walks off and then moments later returns with a vase.
Crenna says 'Thank you. I will store some of these here.'
-+-
Barracks of the Winged Guard
Simple beds line the walls of this large room. At the foot of each bed is a
sturdy wooden chest, and several beds have small tables beside them. The
walls are scantily decorated with yellowed maps and a few tattered crimson
streamers. An aging member of the Winged Guard sits on a nearby bed,
polishing a crimson breastplate engraved with a golden hawk. A large iron
furnace stands in the middle of room, although it appears to be relatively
unused.
Crenna carefully hangs one of the lilies and one of the roses to dry.
(Deposits some of the flowers)
-+-
The Northern Gate of Mayene
The massive north gate is heavily guarded. Tall iron portcullises protect
the city from attack, and small murder holes above the gate are barely
visible. A small alley leads off to the west, and looks to lead to seedier
parts of town. Tall towers dominate the view of the city to the south. The
stone road here is worn smooth.
[ obvious exits: N S ]
An oil lamp, set in a steel cage, hangs from a high wooden pole.
A stout wooden barrel stands nearby.
A man is here.
An Elite Winged Guard stands here, defending his country with his life.
Lord Aldwyn the Lord Lieutenant is standing here.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
A member of the Winged Guard stands here on guard.
Crenna looks around the area.
Crenna smiles at Aldwyn.
Crenna walks up to you casually, 'Good day, Aldwyn.'
Crenna looks at a member of the Winged Guard.
Crenna looks at an elite Winged Guard.
Aldwyn smiles at Crenna.
Aldwyn says 'Much better now in fact'
Crenna says 'How are you today?'
Crenna smiles happily.
Aldwyn says 'I'm well. It's been a quiet day so far.'
Crenna says 'I'm glad to hear that.'
Aldwyn says 'Just a lost Lancer who didn't bring enough supplies that needed help earlier. That's been it.'
Crenna says 'I'm not on duty now, but of course I would help if the city was attacked.'
Crenna nods.
Crenna looks down at her wrist, smiling.
Crenna says 'It seems I have a....mysterious.... admirer.'
Aldwyn walks away from the gate a bit, holding out a hand for you.
Aldwyn looks at Crenna.
Aldwyn smiles at Crenna.
Crenna says 'It's not every day that a woman wakes up to a jewelry box filled with roses and lilies.'
Crenna says 'This mysterious man must like me a lot.'
Aldwyn gives an impish grin. How adorable.
Crenna grins, but looks at the others in the area from time to time.
Crenna says 'At least...'
Crenna says 'Do you think it could be another woman?'
Crenna mocks a gasp.
Aldwyn chuckles politely.
Crenna says 'I suppose I shouldn't assume.'
Crenna is beaming.
Aldwyn reaches out to take your hand and pull you closer.
Aldwyn whispers to you, 'I'm glad you liked it'
Crenna presses lightly against you and smiles.
Crenna says 'They are beautiful. What a kind thing to do.'
Aldwyn says 'Had to make sure you didn't change your mind after another dream or anything.'
Aldwyn grins playfully.
Crenna looks serious, saying, 'I don't see that happening.'
Aldwyn smiles and runs his hand down your arm to your wrist, running his fingers over the rose.
Aldwyn says 'It suits you'
Crenna says 'But, is it too much?'
Crenna keeps her voice low.
Crenna says 'If I ensure others see me happy about a mysterious admirer?'
Crenna whispers to Aldwyn 'I mean, this way, if people see an extra spring in my step, they will have a ready made explanation.'
Aldwyn nods at Crenna.
Aldwyn whispers to you, 'Clever as usual'
Crenna holds out the bouquet and raises it just so.
Crenna with a quick look around, plants a quick kiss on your lips, hidden by the flowers.
Aldwyn grins evilly.
Crenna blushes sweetly.
Aldwyn whispers to you, 'My, I do believe that's the first time I've seen you blush.'
Crenna whispers to Aldwyn 'And perhaps not the last.'
Crenna winks at you and then hides her face in the flowers, inhaling their sweetness.
Aldwyn leans in close, whispering into your ear, "I hope not, or I'm not doing my duty correctly."
Aldwyn slides his hand from your wrist to your hand, his fingers trailing over the back of yours.
Crenna looks around.
Crenna says 'I suppose I was more concerned than I need to be?'
Crenna continues in a low murmur.
Aldwyn looks to the guards at the gate, "They're preoccupied with what's coming in to the city."
Crenna says 'Then again, I am not all that worried about even Theq finding out.'
Aldwyn says 'You know neither am I.'
Aldwyn smiles happily.
Aldwyn says 'I think telling Santino alleviated many of my concerns.'
Crenna nods in agreement.
Crenna grins.
Crenna says 'That was so much fun!'
Aldwyn chuckles politely.
Aldwyn says 'He was right though...'
Crenna says 'Oh?'
Aldwyn says 'You did play him like a lute.'
Crenna smiles happily.
Crenna says 'You helped.'
Crenna grins.
Aldwyn says 'You'll make a fine ambassador once you qualify'
Crenna says 'That is a great compliment.'
Crenna says 'I will work hard.... even harder now as your own reputation is on the line perhaps.'
Aldwyn says 'You'll do fine.'
Crenna says 'I only have to watch and learn from you.'
Crenna smiles happily.
Crenna looks over her shoulder and takes her hand back.
Joryn has arrived from the south.
Aldwyn inclines his head in greeting to Joryn.
Aldwyn says 'Evening, Joryn'
Joryn limps up, offering a crisp salute, standing a bit straighter in new clothes.
Joryn says 'howdy'
Crenna smiles at Joryn.
Aldwyn looks at Joryn.
l joryn
A tall, broad shouldered man limps by, his back stooped by a life of hard
labor. He is dirty and his arms are covered in scars. He smiles, a twinkle
in his eye as he reaches a calloused hand out.
Joryn shifts a bit in his new boots.
Aldwyn whistles appreciatively.
Aldwyn says 'I like it. The new look suits you.'
Crenna smiles.
Joryn glances as his new clothes and nods.
Joryn says 'it is odd to have 3 shirts now'
Aldwyn nods in agreement.
Aldwyn says 'It takes a little getting used to.'
Joryn nods in agreement.
Joryn sneezes and starts to whipe his nose with his sleeve before feeling his pockets for a hanky to wipe his nose with all proper like.
Crenna looks at one of her fingers.
Joryn tucks the cloth away.
Crenna smiles looking at the flowers she's holding.
Joryn steals a glance at the flowers and frowns for the briefest of moments.
Crenna says 'Joryn, I don't suppose you saw anyone in the inn last night or this morning?'
Crenna says 'I found them in my room when I awoke.'
Joryn ponders life, the universe, and everything.
Crenna frowns a bit.
Joryn says 'I did not see anyone I'm afraid, but I wasn't looking for anyone in particular either'
Joryn grins sheepishly.
Crenna says 'I wonder if a suitor sent them...one of the ones my parents hopes I'll marry?'
Joryn says 'I will keep an eye out'
Crenna says 'I wouldn't put it past my parents to have even sent them to me themselves.'
Joryn frowns briefly once more and nods.
Aldwyn says 'That's right, your trip is still coming up to talk to them.'
Crenna says 'Even if to get me in a frame of mind...before seeing them and the suitors soon.'
Joryn says 'you ahh, you mentioned that I might join you on this trip, for the big festival?'
Crenna pauses.
Crenna says 'Yes, I did invite you. Does this mean you're interested in going?'
Joryn says 'I always was yes'
Crenna smiles happily.
Joryn glances at himself.
Crenna says 'You are welcome to join me, but just know that I will have some business to attend to while there without you.'
Crenna says 'But you can join me on the journey and of course at the festival.'
Joryn says 'oh, of course, new experiences though'
Crenna says 'Well if you intend to attend the festival too, you will need at the very least a mask to hide who you are.'
A woman says 'Why, I might ask you the same question.'
A woman pointedly raises her right eyebrow.
Joryn ponders life, the universe, and everything.
l woman
An attractive, youthful woman strolls past you with a friendly smile. Her
clothes, of the latest fashions, are well-fitted and eyecatching.
Joryn says 'I suppose I'll have to keep it secret'
Joryn grins evilly.
Joryn says 'surprises and all'
Crenna says 'Indeed.'
Crenna eyes the woman.
Crenna says 'That is a critical part of the festivities.'
Joryn glances about, concentrating on his thoughts for a moment.
Joryn takes out his coin pouch and checks the contents carefully.
Crenna says 'It would be scandalous for people to walk about baring skin and kissing anyone regardless of rank, if they all knew who each person was.'
Joryn ponders that for a moment, still not sure whether or not to believe it.
Crenna says 'It is a time for everyone to be made equal. Well at least that is perhaps an ideal more than a reality...'
Crenna says '... for the best dancers and most revealing costumes tend to garner more interest.'
Joryn glances at himself and then at the two of you without noticing, his shoulders slumping a bit.
Aldwyn says 'What's the matter, Joryn?'
Joryn doesn't realize that he did anything and hmmms in question.
Joryn says 'what do you mean?'
Aldwyn says 'Part of my job is to be skilled at reading people, you just seemed as if something was bothering you just now.'
A woman says 'Oh, I do this and that. Nothing routine.'
Aldwyn peers closely at a woman, trying to figure her out.
Crenna taps her lips in thought while watching that woman.
Joryn rubs the back of his head, thinking for a moment before standing up a bit straighter and carefully schooling his features.
Crenna says quietly, 'I guess she plays the Great Game.'
Joryn says 'it's ahh, it's just all these changes, it's all a bit much to take in all at once'
Joryn looks at Crenna in confusion.
Aldwyn nods in agreement.
Joryn looks at the woman, and then to Crenna.
Aldwyn says 'It can be a lot'
l woman
An attractive, youthful woman strolls past you with a friendly smile. Her
clothes, of the latest fashions, are well-fitted and eyecatching.
Joryn says 'a word game? like guess what's behind my back?'
Crenna turns her focus back to listening to Joryn.
Aldwyn says 'Is there anything that we could do to help things be a bit more familiar?'
Crenna whispers to Aldwyn 'We could always show him one of the line dances.'
Joryn looks at his feet briefly, forcing himself to keep his back straight as he raises his head quickly.
Joryn says 'I'll manage, always have somehow'
Joryn offers his best grin.
Aldwyn nods at Joryn.
Aldwyn says 'Commendable, I often feel the same when faced with uncertainty.'
Aldwyn nods at Crenna.
Aldwyn says 'That might be a good idea'
Joryn says 'it's a matter of, of...'
Joryn frowns, gathering his thoughts
Joryn says 'a matter of... a-dap-ta-tion, right?'
Crenna nods in agreement.
Aldwyn smiles happily.
Aldwyn nods at Joryn.
Joryn beams proudly for a moment before schooling his features.
Crenna says 'Joryn, would it help if Aldwyn and I showed you how to do one of the dances?'
Joryn ponders life, the universe, and everything.
Joryn says 'oh yes, you mentioned dancing'
Joryn glances at his feet a moment, shaking each one and frowning.
Joryn says 'never did that either'
Crenna says 'Well this dance is easier to learn than other kinds. It's a line dance.'
Joryn says 'a, a line dance?'
Crenna says 'Yes.'
Crenna says 'First, the women form one line.'
Joryn says 'I've seen dancing around the Beltane fires when I managed to make it into town to sell something'
Joryn says 'they didn't do it in a line though'
Joryn looks confused.
Crenna says 'Then the men form a line so that each man if standing in front of one woman.'
Aldwyn whispers something to a woman.
Crenna says 'That is because there are different kinds of dances. This is but one kind.'
Crenna says 'But it is one you can expect to see at the Feast.'
Aldwyn smiles as the woman moves beside Crenna to form a line.
Crenna smiles happily.
Crenna says 'Wonderful.'
Crenna says 'Now Aldwyn, you stand in front of me. And Joryn stand in front of this woman.'
Crenna nods as the women hears and returns.
Joryn stands in front of the woman, offering a slightly awkward, yet somehow fluid, bow.
Crenna says 'That is good.'
Aldwyn moves in front of Crenna, giving a respectful bow.
Crenna curtseys in time with the other woman.
Crenna says 'Now, during the actual Feast... people might... be more enthusiastic.'
Joryn ponders life, the universe, and everything.
Crenna says 'But I will show you the steps so you know the basics.'
Crenna says 'First you clasp hands.'
Crenna takes Aldwyn's hand in both her own.
Joryn looks at the woman a moment and takes her hands carefully.
Aldwyn rests the front of his left arm over his own wrist.
Joryn looks very unsure of himself as he mimics the move.
Crenna shows no shyness, considering.
Crenna says 'Now, each person will take about 3 steps forward, raising their hands up high, being careful not to step on each other's toes or knock each other's noses.'
Crenna takes three steps forward, to stand right in front of Aldwyn, their arms raised high.
Joryn watches from the corner of his eye, mimicking the movements awkwardly, bumping into the woman.
Joryn flushes a deep crimson as he apologizes.
Joryn says 'begging your pardon good lady, did I hurt you?'
Crenna says 'Now during the actual dance, people will have been drinking and so they will sometimes bump into each other which is fine.'
Joryn hastily takes his spot across from the now glaring woman.
Crenna says 'Next, we will each take three steps backwards so we are how we started, but remain clasping hands.'
Crenna takes three steps back, her hands out front again, holding Aldwyn's.
Joryn takes steps back, clumsily after the collision, the woman shooting daggers at him as she grumbles about being roped into dealing with a lout with all the grace of a 3 legged ox.
Aldwyn nods encouragingly to Joryn, taking three steps back smoothly.
Joryn glances at his feet once more as he grits his teeth and sets his jaw, determined to get this.
Crenna says 'Next we repeat except this time we swing our hands up and then sideways to fall until they are resting on each side of our legs.'
Joryn ponders life, the universe, and everything.
Crenna demonstrates taking three steps forward once more.
Aldwyn takes three steps forward as before, nodding to Joryn to do the same.
Crenna stands close to Aldwyn, their bodies almost touching, hands at their sides.
Crenna watches Joryn.
Joryn watches the others as he steps forward, not watching his own steps as he trips, the stiff new boots unfamiliar to his feet.
Joryn sprawls to the ground with a grunt.
Aldwyn lurches a little, apologizing to Crenna as he bumps into her.
Joryn grunts as the woman takes a kick to his side and storms off.
Crenna says 'No worries, Aldwyn, it happens to everyone at times.'
Aldwyn frowns.
Aldwyn offers Joryn a hand to help him up.
Crenna says 'Oh!'
Joryn scowls as he refuses it, taking his feet as he touches his side.
Crenna says 'Well, perhaps that is enough for now. Really that is most of the dance there.'
Aldwyn pulls back his hand, frowning a bit more.
Crenna frowns slightly.
Aldwyn says 'I'm sorry, Joryn. She was not a very good partner and should not have kicked you.'
Joryn tries to stand up straight, grimacing as he tries to hide his discomfort.
Joryn says 'to be fair, I hit her first, if accidentally'
Crenna looks off to where the woman stormed, her frown deepening.
Aldwyn chuckles politely.
Aldwyn says 'You are a very good guy, Joryn.'
Joryn says 'she's not the first to do so'
Joryn frowns at his now stained shirt.
Aldwyn says 'It can be washed. It's no trouble.'
Crenna watches, but remains silent.
Aldwyn says 'The innkeeper's staff actually have a standing arrangement for applicants to the Guard. If you'd be willing to let them take it for you when you return.'
Crenna shoots a look of gratitude at Aldwyn.
Joryn starts to duck his head and blush but grits his teeth and clenches his fists as he forces himself to stand as straight as he might with his head high.
Joryn says 'it was not caused in the attempt to do what duties I have as an applicant, how should I use such a service for something that happened in off time?'
Aldwyn nods in agreement.
Joryn says 'I will pay for it'
Joryn nods to himself.
Aldwyn says 'Will you at least let them bring a washboard and tub to your room where you can do so yourself?'
Crenna says 'Well, either that, or as this was my idea to teach dance, perhaps I should wash it?'
Joryn says 'no, I'll see to it'
Joryn says 'my mistake, I must correct it'
Joryn moves his shabby cloak to cover the stained area.
Joryn tries to look dignified, not succeeding at all.
Aldwyn nods, 'As you wish, just ask the innkeeper if you can use the washbasin and I'm sure they'll be more than happy to let you do it yourself.'
Aldwyn says 'It's hardly the worst a shirt has seen in Mayene.'
Aldwyn smirks.
Joryn says 'the worst shirt you've seen is now on the inn's rag pile where I threw it'
Crenna 's smile freezes, then turns downwards slightly.
Aldwyn frowns, "No not at all, friend."
Joryn just shakes his head as he turns away.
Aldwyn says 'Joryn...'
Aldwyn says 'Are you...'
Joryn takes out his money pouch, peering into it carefully.
Aldwyn says 'Are you happy here?'
Crenna watches, silently.
Joryn doesn't answer as he opens a secret compartment in his pack, his eyes darting around to make sure not too many eyes are watching.
Joryn takes out a selection of coins and puts them in the pouch.
Joryn swiftly seals up the hidden compartment with practiced ease.
Joryn gets a soft leather pouch from a backpack.
Joryn looks at the pouch for a moment as he stands up straight.
Joryn turns and tosses the pouch to Aldwyn.
Joryn gives a soft leather pouch to Aldwyn.
Crenna frowns.
Joryn says 'you will find the same amount of coin you gave me inside'
Aldwyn says 'It's not my coin, but yours.'
Joryn says 'I still owe a debt for the kindness shown, I know not how to repay that'
Joryn glances at himself and then the fine city.
Crenna says 'Kindness is normally given freely.'
Joryn frowns darkly, rubbing his side, turning on Crnnna.
Joryn says softly, with an edge, 'Nothing, nothing is free in this world my friend. You pay, one way or another. The ledger is always balanced in the end.'.
Joryn softens a bit as he bows respectfully to Crenna.
Crenna says 'Then what do I owe for you saving my life?'
Crenna says 'For being a friend? '
Crenna says 'For helping me with so many tasks?'
Aldwyn frowns, stepping aside.
Crenna says 'These were not freely given in friendship?'
Joryn says 'you have shown me that I am what I am, nothing more, nothing less, you have shown me that there is goodness in this world'
Joryn says 'and for that, it is I who owe you a great debt'
Joryn says 'but I am what I am'
Joryn says 'your world is not mine'
Aldwyn steps forward just slightly, "And what is that?"
Joryn says 'I am like a fish trying to walk'
Joryn says 'or a cow trying to fly'
Joryn says 'and I find myself playing the fool trying to change what I am'
Joryn takes out a book of stories from his pack
Joryn flips through the pages, frowning darkly.
Joryn takes a torch and sets fire to the book.
Joryn says 'rubbish, all of it'
Joryn says 'I have heard it said that the Wheel weaves as the Wheel wills'
Aldwyn frowns, his eyes becoming moist, "What will you do?"
Joryn says 'who am I to fight what it wished me to be?'
Crenna says 'Joryn, but it's important that you write and live your own story, and not someone elses.'
Joryn says 'do you not see?'
Joryn says 'that is what I have been trying to do here...'
Joryn says 'and to what end?'
Joryn says 'to make a fool of myself and get kicked, Light, at least in a village there are not as many eyes to see that'
Aldwyn says 'Joryn...don't you think the rest of us have stumbled and fell getting to where we are now?'
Aldwyn says 'I fell farther than any man before me...'
Crenna looks slightly guilty.
Theq has arrived from the south.
Joryn shakes his head and turns to leave.
Theq blinks his eyes innocently.
Joryn pauses for a moment as he steps up to Theq.
Joryn places a hard puch straight between Theq's eyes.
Theq arches an eyebrow.
Theq steps back, stunned.
Joryn says 'you spoke ill of my friend in my presence, we are even now'
Aldwyn slips the pouch quietly back into Joryn's pack.
Aldwyn gives a soft leather pouch to Joryn.
Joryn says 'you are lucky I did not gut you for what you said to her fool'
Theq shakes his head, clearing the stars.
Theq says 'I... Uh...'
Joryn drops the pouch and walks off.