Prelude: Eat, Drink, and be Merry

[TetNak]

As Dewin walks toward King Eus' room, the very one and the same steps out. He grunts as he sees the mage and nods. "Dewin," he says, "Where have you been. I am sure there's a tankard of something to drink around here." Eus seems distracted, surely, "Oh, yes, Rhedyn has preserved for us some Roman wine." The king makes a gesture toward the cask.

[Wbweather]

Berwyn looks at his brother. "Well, it does have a habit of running a bit freely at times. But don't worry yourself overly much. Both of us have said more than we should have tonight. Our father has much on his mind after the burden of decision I laid at his feet. Come, let us lay aside somber thoughts for a while and enjoy what is left of the evening. The grim face you bear does not suit you. Perhaps more mead will wash it away."

He watches Amlaíb closely, hoping that his words might help smooth over the disagreement between them.

[Hayabusa]

"Do you know that cause?" Nuallan asks. He seriously wonders what the king might have taken an issue with his son. So far he cannot think of a reason, then again, he is a simple man, not too involved in the king's business. He pats his friends hand on his own shoulder and loudly procaims. "Take a mug and empty it, then another. The only reason for a somber thought is if the casks were all empty."

[Olligarchy]

Taking his seat with his brother and friend, Amlaíb grunts indistinctly as he pours himself another mug of mead and empties it in one go before giving both of them his characteristic smile, that often resembles a fox smirking more than a bit.

"Matters naught mine friend and brother! Tonight we feast and drink! Whatever tomorrow may bring we will deal with on the morrow!"

[Hayabusa]

"A wise choice of a future leader," Nuallan replies with his friend and the son of a king beside him. "Nothing matters if we have good food and drink to enjoy. Tomorrow is tomorrow and today is today." He stands up from his seat to raise his mug high. "To our king and his sons!" He shouts before emptying his mug.

[Wbweather]

Berwyn drinks a few rounds with the other young men, but soon begins to look for his father. He had not yet had a chance to congratulate him on his name day. He had not wanted to spoil this feast by bringing in Bearnoch. He wanted a moment alone to speak with his father without commentary from his brother and the others.

"Brother, Nuallán, please excuse me for a moment. I fear I have failed to give my father the proper honor he deserves on his name day. I would like to do so, and will return to you shortly."

After excusing himself he makes his way toward where Eus and Dewin are standing by the cask of Roman wine.

"Father, I erred in not showing you more respect earlier. I wish to honor you on your name day. I fear I have cast a shadow over the festivities by bringing this woman here. I meant no disrespect and did not intend to trouble you so. Please forgive me for the trouble I have caused."

[Tisben]

OOC

prior to Berwyn approaching

"Aye, there you are Sire. Happy Name Day! I was out collecting herbs when I lost track of time. The mists shroud the Sun and I forget about how quickly the time passes when I'm focused on finding the right herbs. Yes, I would indeed be honored to drink with you my old friend, on this very special occasion. What shall we drink to? Your Health? Death to Saxons?" Dewin pauses for a moment to contemplate the distracted nature of his friend and then proceeds. "Sire, I sense that you may be troubled. Is everything well with you?"

OOC

After Berwyn approaches

As Berwyn walks up, Dewin says "Greetings Berwyn, I'm glad to see you have finally decided to come home. Your father has been worried about you. Indeed we all have. So, what trouble have you gotten yourself into this time?"

Dewin listens to Berwyn's comments to his father and says, "What women is it you speak of? Have you lain with a harlot and got her with child?"

[Wbweather]

Berwyn feels a blush of heat in his cheeks and his father's mage makes his remarks about the harlot. He silently curses the woman who has made his position here so awkward tonight. He longed to take his leave and go work out his frustration on the training field.

"Aye Dewin, you hit near the mark as always, and yet not precisely true. Whether she be a harlot or not, I cannot say. I think you alone have not heard news of my adventures these past few days. I was waylaid by a group of men I though Saxons for certain. I was held captive for three days until physically exhausted. In my weakened state I was approached by a young woman who told me a tale of her people whom she said were Angles and mutual enemies of the Saxons. She offered herself to me as a pledge to forming an alliance with us. She said she hoped that in our union, preferably by marriage, our people might join together. What wisdom lies in this, I cannot say. I see potential benefit for us, but there is risk of danger too. Most believe I have been beguiled by her lying with me and seem to think I have been played the fool."

[Olligarchy]

As the celebrations continue and Berwyn heads on over to give his well-wishes to their father, Amlaíb glances at Nuallán before speaking softly from the side of his mouth, words meant only for his closest friend.

"Depending on how things go in the coming days, I may have to leave. Not of mine fathers desire, but of the need. Will you accompany me to the cauldron, Nuallán?"

[Hayabusa]

Nuallán looks at one of his closest of friends. He's a bit putzzled by Amlaíb's question for as far as the adpoted son of Trahaeran can tell there would be no doubt about his reply. "I would accompany you to any place. If you needed me to storm the Otherworld, then I'd be the first to join you," he says, patting his friend on the back.