Legendary Exploits of Three Not Viking Brothers

"Purportedly the new king has been meeting with his court every day since news returned home that a Lych had united others under a crusade of his own. I doubt that this grand ball on the day of his coronation will be all about dancing with pretty women. It's also being said that the purpose of this tournament is to recruit the best sons of the land for the Kings own forces. If you wish to keep your brothers from becoming entangled in the Kings court then it may be best for them not to show off much if you wish for them to be at your disposal still." Detlef responds

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Robillard begins his penance off in some grove of trees making sure that Guinevere can't attack him when she begins to think of Robillard as more of food than anything else. Will Robillard remain where he is for the period of his fasting or will he be going somewhere else after some period of time?

"Well spoken Detlef. Your insights on the happenings here in the capital are valuable indeed. Still, there is another matter that troubles me and must thusly inquire upon. What is the status of the holy church?"

Robillard will remain while he fasts. If Guinevere gets too restless or snappish, he will make her sit back down again, using positive and negative reinforcement. When he judges the time is right (she is sufficiently weakened by hunger) he will leap onto her back and ride her without pause.

Detlef smiles and takes another sip from his glass. After which he says "Which part? The abandonment of the crusades or the strange actions of late by this countries Cardinals? I don't worry so much about what the church does except for when they come by saying I haven't paid enough to Themis. Red robed crows is what they are."

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Robillard will be at this for a while

Leewan's brow furrows ever so slightly, almost undetectable to any inattentive to his expression.

"Crows or vultures, their influence reaches deep through this land like the roots of an ancient oak. Speak more on these 'strange actions' of the cardinals."

Detlef shrugs and says "Unless you consider each of the cardinals leaving their places of operation at the same time for a month normal I don't know what to tell you. The ammounts of "donations" (he makes the quotations in the air to mock the term) have also increased here in the capital."

Leewan leans forward and braces against his knees as he rises from his seat:

"I must contemplate the news you offer me. Lest there is any query I can answer as repayment I am determined to see the state of the capital with mine own eyes before sunfall."

Detlef takes another drink and ponders for a moment. After a couple sips, he says "Nothing that I don't hear about already. I hear Gwain is still a trouble maker and Robillard has been indoctrinated by the priests. At least you got the family sword back before he died in the crusade."

"At least indeed. I take my leave now cousin. I will rejoin you for the evening meal."

Leewan leaves the estate.
[Room for any external event or interjection from persons in the mansion here before I continue on with my own business.]

Leewan leaves the estate with Detlef going back to his work and presumably to finish off whatever snacks and such you two hadn't finished. Going off in search of Gwain, Leewan thinks to first check the most likely place to find him: the brothels. Much to Leewans surprise, Gwain is not found at the higher end brothels nearby and so the true hunt begins for his younger brother. After about two hours of searching, eventually Leewan finds the familiar sight of Gwain seducing a fairly pretty woman near the tournament grounds. While Leewan does not know, Gwains time spent trying to hunt down information on Lord Holzer has been unfruitful. While he was advertising the demigryph, however, he had managed to catch the eye of this young lady who began asking questions about what such a majestic creature is like. Naturally, Gwain is trying to take advantage of her curiosity.

"Gwain. Enough with this woman, there are matters of the house that require your honed tongue."

"Alas, it seems good lady, my tongue is needed elsewhere" Gwain says with a wink. "I'll be looking for you in the crowd when I take the archery prize by storm." With that, Gwain heads off with Leewan to whatever business his brother has planned.

Leewan takes Gwain to a mildly less populated area and whispers:

"The cardinals make their moves in the shadows. Kin have informed us that the cardinal's movements are of the utmost suspicion in this past month. Public investigation of the matter can be thought of as an action against the church. Use your skills, discover what you can Gwain."

"Use my skills?" Gwain says raising an eyebrow. "I think you'll need to be more specific."

Leewan genuinely scowls. In his mind Gwain may act with the foolishness of youth but he still boasts a savant talent for understanding and maneuvering through delicate social situations when he so chooses.

"Use your charms and Griswald manhood for more than your own satisfaction. In the days prior to the coronation and the tournament uncover the hidden truth of the cardinals as best you can."

"Oh, there's going to be some uncovering all right" thinks Gwain. "As you wish my liege. And where would you have me begin my efforts? Shall I visit the nearest chapel and strike up a stirring conversation with the nearest priest?"

"No matter how high a pedestal Robillard imagines the holy men of the church rest on he is mistaken. They have vices, and very possibly of the flesh. Find their whores and learn what you can. If the abbots and cardinals are beyond carnal weakness find those in close company to the gluttonous clergymen who are. You bear the blood of a Griswald, ability and execution course through your veins. Seduce the whores and discover the methods of blackmail, well hidden secrets and any shred of discovery that lends us advantage in this perilous future brother. I am undertaking a closer management of our missing kin Robillard and seeing to learning what there is to be learned from the side of court that walks in the day."

"... So I'll take that as a yes to my earlier question then. Alrighty then! Time is a wasting." Without further ado, Gwain heads off toward the nearest religious establishment and begins his investigation.

Leewan looks blankly at Gwain, turns around, and leaves. He sets off now in search of Robillard.

Leewan realises that since Robillards new obsession with mounting the demigryph would force him outside of the city for space to continue his attempts Leewan makes his way outside the cities walls. After a bit of wandering (a potentially risky business for a head of house) eventually he spots a group of men consisting of what appears to be knights and noble children practicing jousting and dueling. Deciding they may have seen Robillard (who stands out like a sore thumb) Leewan makes his way over to investigate. After a brief introduction and bit of exchange eventually, one points Leewan towards Robillard. After about another two hours (since finding Gwain) Leewan spies his brother in some sort of meditation within a grove of trees with the demigryph tied to a tree.

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Gwain goes off towards one of the lesser churches (which happens to be the nearest to him at the time) and soon finds himself walking into the not so familiar sight (cause Gwain doesn't seem like the avid church goer type) of a Themisian church. This one, in particular, is notable for it's higher than average number of stain glass windows and obviously bronze bell at its top which rings loudly at the time of your approach. You walk in through the main doors and find around a dozen people scattered about the main hall with some to the sides praying at shrines and others on benches praying to the central altar at the end of the site of worship. Gwain does not spot any obviously ranking clergymen in the main hall but does see one of the individuals tending to a shrine wearing clergy robes. Overall this church appears to be in better condition than the one in your hometown but is not as lavish as you'd expect a church within the nations capital to be.

Leewan commands his guards to make a spacious perimeter around him and his brother. He approaches slowly and with purpose in his steps. The crunch of wild grass giving way to Leewan's sole carries through the air. He tops five paces in front of his entranced brother.

"Robillard."

Without opening his eyes from his prayers, Robillard answers.

"Leewan, I am glad you have found me. I have discovered the key to taming my Guinevere. Together we are fasting and praying to our Goddess. This shall prove my strength of will, and earn her respect. Once she is hungry enough she will be sure to accept me!"

Indeed it has been quite some time since Gwain has been to church. While not as fanatic as Robillard, Gwain is certainly no heretic and has a level of respect for the organized religion of Themis appropriate for a noble of Adroysia. As he walk through the quaint establishment, Gwain takes a moment to savor the embellishments and art of the church, even if they don't amount to much.

Gwain approaches the robed individual and announces his presence. "Hello brother, I am Gwain Von Griswald. Is the priest available at this moment?"

Leewan only looks down at Robillard. Perhaps disappointed in what his brother's faith has driven him to.

"You are not to enter the tournament."

[Robillard will have to make a will test to not lose concentration and become infuriated]

Leewan's words pierce through Robillard's concentration like the Lich King's arrows pierced through Gideon. His eyes snap open and he immediately stands.

"What did you say?! You do not wish me to prove myself and bring honor to our house? I have been gone for years, brother. This was to be my first real tournament. What possible reason could you have for such a ridiculous request?"

"Your skill and massive frame garner the favor of fate and god. Were you to participate you would in all likelihood bring honor to thy name."

Leewan curiously observes the Demigryph. Uncertain if such training methods can break a wild animal.

"If you prove yourself in the tournament you will be drafted to the king's forces in the upcoming war. You will be made pawn to his schemes. You will be absent from our own forces."

Robillard looks confused. "Schemes? What schemes does the king plan? Besides, I would bring us great honor serving in the King's army. Does he not fight for freedom from the dominion of the Lich Kings?"

"Robillard, to whom do you swear your ultimate allegiance. Themis, the king, or thy family?"

Again Leewan's brief words slice through Robillard. He is stunned into silence as he is forced to confront his deepest conflict. Finally, after a very pregnant pause, he mutters out his answer.

"I... I don't know. Ten years ago, the answer would have been simple, my family. Five years ago, I would have sworn myself to Themis without hesitation. But now I find myself plagued with doubt and confusion. My faith is shattering, Leewan, and my family is not how I remember. You are so cold and Gwain is so foolish and Themis has turned her face from me. I thought that by winning this tournament I might prove myself to you and to our Goddess. But now... What am I supposed to do? How is a cursed man supposed to prove himself in this world?"

"You are the second son of our line. Your survival through seven years of crusades is proof enough to your strength of character as a Griswald. You are no soldier or servant, you have the authority to design your own fate. In the upcoming months the hidden plots of the church and the scheming of a king who framed his Eldar brother for the murder of the crown prince will unfold as disgusting and monstrous legions of soldiers dedicated to lichendom pillage and tear asunder the countryside. If you choose to take up arms for the king know you will be sent anywhere but the forgotten corner of the nation that is our lands. You will not see the lich king's warriors tear and rape and pillage at the borders of our nation. You will not be there to defend the lands of our forefathers. Make your choice Robillard."

Leewan finishes his wordy speech (by his own standards) and contemplates for moment on the tremendous figure that is his brother. He recalls his brother's innocent devotion to Themis as young lad. He recognizes that the Robillard before him is entirely different entity. Leewan nods to himself and begins returning to the capital with his guards.

[Your country is Acren not Adroysia]

The robed figure stands up from his kneeling position as says in a hushed tone "What is it you require from our servant of Themis young one? Do you seek forgiveness for your sins or council with wisdom?"

Robillard stands silently next to Guinevere as Leewan leaves. He is still as a frozen pond, but inside he is roiling with emotion. After a few minutes, he kneels and begin praying once more to Themis. He is asking for a sign from her, something to prove that he is on the right path, something to help him make the hardest decision he has ever had to make.

Themis does not answer

Robillard kneels, and kneels, and kneels. The world turns and the moon rises. He kneels, Dawn spreads her rosy fingers across the new-glowing sky to find him there, still kneeling. His face is iron, his head bowed in contemplation. The only movement to be found in his whole body is his lips, silently murmuring prayers to Themis, begging her for a sign, something to prove his faith.

"I have served thee for nearly a decade," he whispers. "Men, women, and children have died by my blade for thee. Rivers of widows' tears, and oceans of their blood. I have raged for thee, spent my sweat in thy service. Is this not enough? What more must I do to prove myself?"

Silence answers. Barely a bird, insect, or squirrel stirs in the grove. His face remains still as a tear makes its way down his cheek. It glistens as it crosses one of his many scars.

"Art thou deaf!" He accuses in the formal tones of prayer. "Dost thou not hear my plea? Does it amuse you to keep your most faithful servant in doubt, tormented by confusion? Your enemies have cursed me and you have left me to to transform into some godless creature, unable to earn redemption. Why have you forsaken me?"

A squirrel chatters as it sees Guinevere, it's tiny frame full of fury at the encroaching predator. A wind rustles through the leaves, but the answer Robillard hopes for still eludes him.

"So this is what it has come to," he chuckles, strangling back a sob. "A retired Crusader, unable to protect his friends, praying to his savior in a grove. I see no grand cathedral, no stained glass gilt with gold, no prying priests."

He rises from his knees, feeling his muscles protest. Lightheaded from hunger and emotional turmoil, he moves closer to the demigryph.

"Guinevere," he whispers tenderly. "What must I do? Even you have rejected me, you whom I hold above all others. Your form is perfection, designed flawlessly for your ultimate purpose. You are a proud Hunter, punishing those weaker and slower than you. I once felt myself to be like you. Themis has blessed me with this monstrous body, legs thick as ancient oaks and hands capable of bending steel. Was it not right to use her gifts for battle? What better way to revel in her bounty and bring glory to her name? But now, my calling is unclear. How am I supposed to know what to do?"

His voice cracking with emotion, Robillard extends his hand, trying to pet Guinevere.

The demigryph does not move but stares at you with hungry eyes

Hands shaking, Robillard gently strokes Guinevere's feathers. She feels warm under his calloused hands, and his heart fills with determination as he realizes his true path. He unties Guinevere and attempts to mount her, planning to ride off to find Leewan (stopping by a butchers first to buy an inordinate amount of scraps for Guinevere). He has made his decision.

"I come not on my behalf but at the behest of House Griswald. News from the holy city is slow to reach our distant lands so I have come wishing to know the state of our Lady's faith."

Gwain hears someone clear their throats behind him and he turns to see a priest in embroidered blue robes and a pair of black and white gloves (one black one white) speaks to you in an Adroysian accent "Perhaps I can alleviate your concerms child." He looks at the man you were talking to and says "Leave us, David."

"I am Gwain Von Griswald, please to make your acquaintance. You overheard my exchange just now I pressume?"

The priest nods and says "I overheard you asking about the Faith. What is it that has you concerned?"

"The faithful of our land do not oft hear news from the holy city given our remote location and they yearn to know what new teachings have been wrought there. I seek both a priest and a Daughter of Themis willing to share with me the latest developments so that I might spread them to the devote of Heretic's End."

The priest gives you a questioning look and says "You traveled all the way here to ask such a question? Surely you have heard that the crusades have been called to halt and to return from the Blasted Lands. There has been a great deal of arguing amongst the priests all over about this decision."

"Naturally I am here on other businessmen, but I thought to help my countrymen on my journey. Where do the priests stand on the events of the crusade?"

"Their opinions are as varied as there are species of birds. If you are stressed about events transpiring today perhaps you are in need of confession or a long reflection period in prayer." He gestures towards a door at the front of the staple that has the symbol of Themis engraved in its wood.

"That won't be necessary. I am far more curious about recent events than I am concerned over their occurrence. I would love to hear your perspective Father."

Leewan returns to Detlefs house having completed his objectives. Upon reaching the house, Leewan is informed that Detlef is currently meeting with some of his buisiness partners and won't be available for some time. Leewan is free to do what he wish or simply wait for Detlef to be done.

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The priest simply answers "Themis' perspective is my perspective. What that means can only be found in deep prayer and thought."

"Of course father, but what insights from your prayer can you share?"

"Only that in our Goddess will see us through these times."

"I see, then some of the priests are of a different mind? And where might I go to glean the stance of the Daughters of Themis?"