I am resisting the urge to just dump a bunch of ink on this page and distribute copies throughout The Watch, trusting you all to understand the emotion that I’m sure we are all feeling. However, for the sake of preserving what shred of dignity I have left, I will endeavor to write this letter in a calm manner.
For those of you who aren’t already screaming into the nearest abyss, allow me to explain what has occurred. Today, a Watcher* noticed a similarity between the content of King Sean’s daily proclamation and the evidence we have of what occurred when Lord Brody was presumably taken by The Enemy nearly six years ago. She reported this information to The Watch and the capital, as is protocol, though we rarely receive any response from the latter on matters such as this.
However, today, we did.
King Sean has denied any awareness of a similar event that would cause such concern.
Obviously, this statement is even more concerning than the Watcher’s original observation. Coincidences are one thing, but refusing to acknowledge the night Lord Brody was attacked or, worse still, completely forgetting about it?
The former would be frustrating beyond belief; while I’m sure King Sean has his reasons for keeping his silence about the attack on Lord Brody, it doesn’t make The Watch’s job any easier.
But the latter? You don’t just forget something like that. Then again, the king allegedly didn’t recognize Lord Schneeplestein’s name in similar incident years ago. This lapse in memory would likely be the result of The Enemy's magic. Whether this is a latent effect of the king’s rumored illness or some new act of villainy, we can’t be certain.
I don’t know what exactly is going on here, but it seems likely that some new plot of The Enemy is lurking on the horizon. What that plot will be and when it will take shape, we don’t know. Until then, we must continue to keep The Watch, as we always have in times such as these.
I will report back if I learn more, but I doubt anything else will come to light on this matter. Please inform me immediately if my suspicions prove incorrect.
With Anticipation,
Bard Emily Keyes
Written to fellow members of The Watch in the Second Month of the Year One Thousand Six Hundred and Fourteen
~The bottom of the page bears evidence of a poorly-removed ink spill~
*Credit where credit is due: Thanks @isa-ghost for initiating the events leading up to this new community fire!
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All I know is that when I entered my room this afternoon to continue working on a map, everything was fine. Five hours later, I put it down to sneak some leftovers from the kitchen and found the garrison swarming with chickens.
No, I did not fall asleep on the map and dream this. Believe me, I checked.
There are chickens everywhere, far more than are kept in the coop here in Fort Stiofán. I have received word by raven that Fort Conchúr is experiencing a similar situation. Either this is some kind of strange prank coordinated by Watchers or citizens with too much time on their hands in the wake of The Enemy’s sudden silence, or a member of the fae got bored and decided this would be entertaining to watch. At this point, neither would surprise me.
Regardless, there isn’t much to be done about the perpetrators, especially considering the relative harmlessness of this prank. If you see a chicken running loose, please attempt to chase it in the direction of the coops. If the creatures don’t vanish after a while, I’m sure we’ll find some use for them.
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’m going to go clean up my cartography supplies and never make a map again without checking every possible avenue of communication at my disposal at all times. As it turns out, turtles aren’t the only animal that likes to slip things by me while I’m lost in erasing roads and treelines for the millionth time... Anti: 2, Chickens: 1, Bard: 0. Lord preserve us.
Confused Regards,
Bard Emily Keyes
Written to fellow members of The Watch in the Second Month of the Year One Thousand Six Hundred and Fourteen
As I’m sure you’ve heard, spies within The Watch have begun targeting Watchers across the kingdom with the intent to turn them into “puppets” of The Enemy himself.
Thankfully, this new development does come with some positive side effects. For example, we now know exactly who among us is under The Enemy’s thrall, and can react accordingly. In addition, while these spies seem intent on antagonizing and luring our allies into The Enemy’s strings, they have yet to actively harm a Watcher or citizen with physical violence.
All evidence suggests that these spies are not acting upon direct orders from The Enemy himself, who has seemingly begun biding his time in silence once again. It’s almost as if The Enemy’s inaction has caused his followers to be seized with the desire to earn his attention or favor.
Whether The Enemy had a hand in this surge of motivation is unknown, but a fellow Watcher who has borne the effects of an Enemy spell since the Overnight Defense (whose name I will not mention out of respect for their privacy) has told me that the effects of his influence have gotten more intense since the spies began to declare themselves and decide upon their targets.
Therefore, for the safety of yourself and others, do not overreact if you are targeted by one of these spies. For all we know, they may be unwilling victims completely under The Enemy’s control. If you cannot convince them to to cut ties with The Enemy and return to the safety and protection of The Watch, leave them unharmed.
We have archivists at Fort Conchúr and Fort Stiofán attempting to collect as much information as possible about the spies and their targets, so please send a report to the nearest garrison if you encounter them. Until we learn more, we cannot know if this is a passing phase within a tense and apprehensive nation or a harbinger of greater evils ahead.
With Anticipation,
Bard Emily Keyes
Written to fellow members of The Watch in the Second Month of the Year One Thousand Six Hundred and Fourteen.
Beyond the northern borders of Duilintinn, King Mark of Haneul has once again proven his boundless faith in his kingdom’s ability to accomplish more than just chaos and disarray.
The king’s goal is deceptively simple; to raise half a million in funds that will aid the homeless youth in his kingdom. As if that’s not enough, King Mark has declared he will not sleep until the goal is reached.
Chaotic, hilarity-filled events have begun in every corner of the kingdom where citizens can come together, celebrate, donate, and watch their local champions show off in feats of brain and brawn. True to his word, King Mark is keeping awake by riding throughout the land, making appearances at all of the festivities he encounters. This merrymaking is expected to run long into the night, and many citizens have pledged to follow King Mark in his sleepless vigil until their goal is reached.
Let us never forget how the madness and tumult of Haneul can be harnessed as a force for good, with power seemingly far beyond mortal means, under the guidance of King Mark and his ceaseless belief in his people. The celebrations have barely begun, and yet, as if further proof was needed, the people of Haneul have already raised ten percent of their goal!
May we seek such passion in our own endeavors.
With Celebration,
Bard Emily Keyes
Written to fellow members of The Watch in the Second Month of the Year One Thousand Six Hundred and Fourteen.
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King Sean is currently holding an event in the capital to raise funds towards the enrichment of the Iolla Sanitariums, especially for those which care for chronically or terminally ill children. The patients of these isolated settlements have very little ability to engage with the activities enjoyed by those of us blessed with better health. A group of philanthropists seeking to change this and bring these activities to the patients will receive all proceeds raised during this event.
If you are unable to attend the event in person, I have included in this message some other methods through which you can donate to this worthy cause.
May we never forget to aid others as we keep the watch in the years to come.
With appreciation,
Bard Emily Keyes
Written to Fellow Members of The Watch in the Second Month of the Year One Thousand Six Hundred and Fourteen
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For reasons unknown, King Sean has not given his public proclamation today at the usual time. This isn’t automatically cause for concern. At times, the proclamation is moved into the evening or cancelled entirely due to innocent factors.
However, there have also been occasions when unexplained delays are the harbingers of some greater misfortune. Most recently, the king wasn’t seen for his proclamation immediately after The Enemy sent his message to “stop watching” to every member of The Watch this past December.
Personally, I do not believe that this delay is cause for alarm. However, should this silence continue without an explanation from the king by the time tomorrow’s proclamation is expected to occur, it may be prudent to look closer at the nature of this delay.
In other news, I’ve compiled some scientific resources on the natural history of Duilintinn and am in the process of filing them with the records of The Watch. Much of it pertains to the nature of souls and magic, which may be useful in understanding the strange nature of The Enemy’s abilities. With luck, they should all be available for your reference within the next few days.
Warm Regards,
Bard Emily Keyes
Written to fellow members of The Watch in the Second Month of the Year One Thousand Six Hundred and Fourteen.
Author’s Note: This is a long one, spanning about nine and a half pages on Word. I would also like to apologize for potential weird paragraphing. This particular RP was monologue central. I’ve done what I can without messing with the dialogue too much. Enjoy.
Bard’s Note: I’ve added a cut due to the length for the sake of people on mobile who can’t just hit “j” to scroll past after they’ve read it. Meanwhile, everyone needs to give a big shout out of love and appreciation to @theshapeshifter100 right now for compiling these. Not only are these just super fun to read, but it takes a LOT of pressure off of me as I finish my final papers before exams hit.
Autumn was glad to finally get off horseback after a long day of riding. The sun had lowered behind the hill and the already low temperature was dropping, so getting to the garrison now was almost a blessing.
She took off her hood to be able to tilt her head up, looking at Fort Conchúr. It was a massive structure built into the side of a hill, with towers tall over to peek over it, and even fields built into the side. The stonework and shape was of the old style; cylinders stacked on top of each other. The garrison spilt out into the surrounding valley, but still into the sides of it, rarely on the flat ground.
She tied her horse to the holdings by the front gates, deciding that she wanted a warm drink first. When she got to the gate, she gave it a loud knock.
From the other side Ivy startled as she walked past the gate. She wasn’t on duty, merely killing time before sleep, so watched the guard look through the peep slot. They asked who was there, and Ivy decided to eavesdrop, curious.
Autumn cleared her hair from her face as the guard questioned her.
“I am Bard Scholar Autumn Green of House Jameson, here as a stop on my way to the capital. I look for simple shelter for a day or two.”
The guard on the gate looked at their partner. The both nodded to each other as if they had communicated telepathically, and opened the gate.
“Cause no trouble,” they warned.
“I shall never!” Autumn proclaimed with a swift wink as she passed the guards, opening her cloak to reveal that she was mostly unarmed, except for a dagger strapped to her leg. “That one’s just there for emergencies, don’t worry.”
The guards let pass and closed the gate behind her. Ivy watched the newcomer for a moment, taking in her brown/blonde hair, glasses and thick green cloak.
Otto came into the land on her shoulder and watched the Bard walk through the compound. He shuffled his wings restlessly and Ivy gave him a warning look. “Don’t you dare.”
Autumn paused to look around, taking in the tall mountain structure covered in stairs. She’d been here before, but had forgotten how to get around. She saw Ivy by the gate, not that they knew each other, talking to a raven on her shoulder. Autumn swallowed her fear and walked over.
“Excuse me!” she called. “I’m not here often, mind showing me to the kitchen? My name is Autumn.”
“Hello Autumn, I’m Ivy,” Ivy nodded to her. “It’s been a little while, but it should be…” she looked around the fort. She only arrived an hour ago and hadn’t eaten. “…this way,” she began to walk off to the left and up the stairs from the main building, expecting Autumn to follow her.
Autumn did indeed follow curiously, looking around to see what had changed. After a while, her gaze rested on the back of Ivy’s blonde head. Torchlight flickered off it, making it difficult to tell what shade of blonde it was.
“If I may ask, what is your business here?”
“Message delivery,” Ivy replied, “and waiting to see if anyone needs a message delivering. What about you? New cook?”
Autumn chuckled at that. “I fear I am not good enough for that! I’m travelling further to the capital to meet with an old friend of the king’s. There is even a chance you delivered one of the letters we sent each other; I collect stories surrounding the lords and the king,” the bard explained.
“It’s possible,” Ivy shrugged, almost dislodging Otto, who squawked indignantly. “I’m not the only Messenger of course, but I have taken letters to the capital before,” she took a moment to calm the raven. “So, what is your business here?”
“A rest for a day or two, or at least for the night,” Autumn yawned. “I am rather tired and a little cold, I have been riding all day. The duration of my stay depends on the stories I get told: If I find someone with a good tale, I will interrupt my journey.”
She chuckled at Otto’s displeasure of almost being shrugged off, and he was still sulking about it. “An interesting pet you got there. What’s their name?”
“This fellow?” Ivy scratched his head and he leant into it, closing his eyes. “This is Otto, and, I wouldn’t call him a pet per say, but he won’t leave the nest, so…” she looked back at Autumn in a ‘what can you do’ kind of way.
Autumn gave Otto a small, awkward wave. “So, you’d say more of an animal companion? Very interesting, it is rare to see a bond like that. Hello Otto!”
Otto looked over and let out a small croak. He shuffled his wings and cocked his head, clearly curious about the new person.
“I suppose,” Ivy responded to Autumn, grateful and surprised that she didn’t ask if he was her familiar. “He comes and goes as he likes, but he rarely goes far unless I tell him to.”
“Oh dear, I wish I had a human like that!” Autumn didn’t really know what else to say, so changed the subject. “Say, have you ever had chocolate?”
“Er, no. I haven’t,” Ivy admitted. “I’ve seen traders selling it, but it’s always ridiculously expensive. Far above my pay grade anyway,” Ivy thought for a moment. “Why, do you have some? And how in Sam’s name did you get it?”
Autumn chuckled once again, she seemed to do that a lot, perhaps as a nervous tick. “I talk to a lot of people, and it is in my best interest to befriend them. I manage to get a lot of discounts just by being awkward!” she grinned. “So, would you like some? I have just enough to melt down and stretch with water so we can enjoy a cup of hot chocolate each, “she winked.
“That sounds good,” Ivy agreed, it was a frosty February evening and a hot drink sounded amazing. “Let’s get you to the kitchen first, and we can sort that out.”
“Wonderful! I sure hope there’s a fire going!” she rubbed her hands together to warm them.
“If not, we can ‘borrow’ one of the lookout torches. Those are always burning!” Ivy half laughed, pleased to be getting along with someone. “Ah, we’re almost there,” she took Otto off her shoulder. “They don’t want you in there Otto, go find Firefly.”
Otto let out a loud, croaking cry before taking off towards the stables in a flurry of black feathers. The two humans paused outside one of the many doors set into the rock, and smoke pumped out of one of the chimneys, informing them that a fire was going.
Autumn watched Otto fly off before entering the kitchen. “Oh, who’s Firefly?” she asked.
“My horse,” Ivy responded as they walked through the kitchen. It was more or less empty at this time of day. There were one or two people manning the ovens, baking the bread for tomorrow. Other than that, they were alone.
“Now, there is something of a story, if you’re interested,” Ivy suddenly looked a little awkward. “Well, it’s probably not as interesting as some stories you’ve heard. It’s just dear to me… never mind,” she waved off, embarrassed now.
“Oh, I always love a good story, of any kind!” Autumn assured as they walked through towards the back. The inside of the kitchens were a lot warmer than outside, so her glasses began to steam up.
“If it’s dear to you and you feel comfortable telling, I always have an open ear. And you need something to do while I prepare the chocolate anyways,” Autumn winked nervously, worried that she was making Ivy feel worse by trying to get her to tell the story.
“Well,” Ivy rubbed the back of her head awkwardly and let out her own nervous chuckle, not sure what to make of all the winking. “I raised Firefly from a foal, this was a few years before the Second Famine, but the raids were still happening. One of the farms in House Brody had some horses and a raid set a fire in the stables, took about a third of them down, including the one with Firefly’s Ma in it.” Ivy nodded in the rough direction of the stables before continuing.
“I was heading back to House Brody after a, a break,” there was more to that, but Ivy didn’t elaborate. “And since I had some experience with hand rearing lambs I was asked to take her on. She’s been with me ever since.”
Ivy chuckled to herself, embarrassed after that. “Oh, that was bad,” she smiled sheepishly. “You’d never think I had apprenticed with a Bard for a while. Ooof.”
“That is truly a wonderful story, I don’t know why you’d be so hesitant!” Autumn disagreed wholeheartedly. “You have a large family of animals, I see!” Autumn continued preparing the chocolate, breaking it down into little pieces and looking for a small metal pot in the cupboards and shelves.
“You apprenticed with a bard? “she added. “It seems you have been around a lot,” she had noticed Ivy’s hesitance when talking about her ‘break’ but decided to leave it for now.
“Er, yes. It was a long time ago now, 1603 if I recall correctly,” Ivy had to stop and think about that. “That would explain why I’m so out of practice. We keep in touch though, maybe I should go visit,” she mused, before coming across another thought.
“You seem to travel too, since you have the chocolate,” Ivy thought out loud. “Do you have any stories?”
“I have collected more than I can count, and a tale or two to tell myself, indeed. However, I find them to be of a personal interest, not good not enough for anyone else to waste their time on,” Autumn tried to change topic, not used to someone asking about her life. “What was your acquaintance’s name? Maybe I know them.”
“Bard Hazel,” Ivy supplied quickly. “Not the one you’re likely to find in Fort Stiofán, a different Bard Hazel,” she’d dealt with that question more than once. “I’d be interested to hear about your stories, but if you don’t want to tell them, that’s fine. Some things are best left unsaid.”
Autumn sighed, seeing some disappointment in Ivy. “I got this chocolate from a passing ship coming from King Mark’s kingdom, Haneul. They were on their way back, actually, coming from a more southern kingdom, where chocolate grows naturally and in masses. I found myself in a tavern that night, though that is an unusual occurrence, and talking to the sailors. They had humorous tales from the south to tell, and we spent hours on end talking. We found ourselves awakening on the table the next morning, they almost missed their ship!”
Autumn laughed as she recalled her story, the sailor’s panic still hilarious. “They didn’t think to give me an address so we could keep in touch, but the youngest gave me a good chunk of chocolate as a reminder of him. He was too young for me, but I should try to pay him a visit soon.”
While she talked she had found a pot, and was melting the chocolate into it over one of the fires. She added a little bit of butter, watching the two colours melt and mix.
“Too young for you huh?” Ivy smirked a little, waggling her eyebrows. “Maybe when you see him again…” she stopped, realised that she might have gotten too familiar there. She blamed Gus’s influence, even if she hadn’t seen him in a while.
“So, do you remember those stories, or did you get too drunk?” she asked, hoping Autumn hadn’t minded just now. “I need to talk to more sailors.”
“You need to indeed!” Autumn agreed, still smiling. “As I said, they had come from a land far south, but they had experienced far more at sea. They told me, for example, of a creature they call ‘The Reaper’ that attacked their ship just outside our coast!” she told the story with flare, all while stirring the chocolate and slowly adding water.
“Oh, I know about Reapers!” memories came flooding back to Ivy. “I had to study them for three days straight then move on because my mentor at the time had the attention span of a toddler,” Ivy suddenly paused, remembering how long ago that was, and feeling old.
“But, yes,” she continued. “There are Reapers in Loch Domhainn and they do attack ships from time to time. I don’t suppose they went into any detail?”
“Fortunately, they did not go into the water!” Autumn declared. “But they saw a red-blue streak, more like a pincer, trying to grab onto the railing… It ripped out a good part of it too, I even saw that. Someone could have fallen through that crack, if my memory does not betray me.”
Autumn was stirring rapidly so the chocolate didn’t burn. Meanwhile her free hand was feeling for cups on the shelves. Ivy reached past her to grab a couple of cups for her.
“That sounds about right from what I remember,” Ivy added about the Reaper. “Very territorial, they don’t take kindly to ships. Or, anything for that matter,” she noticed how focused Autumn was on the chocolate. “Are you okay there?”
Autumn looked a little panicked as she looked up, but quickly calmed down. “I’m fine! Hold that cup here,” she nodded to just in front of her.” Careful, hot!” she then warned, pouring the liquid chocolate into two cups, giving them both an equal amount.
Ivy waited until the chocolate was drained from the pot before she handed one of the cups to Autumn.
“It smells good,” she commented, watching the steam rise and feeling the slightly uncomfortable warmth from the cup. “I think I’ll wait a little bit.”
Autumn took a deep breath and folded her hands neatly around the cup for warmth, not bothered by the heat at all. “You probably should!” she agreed. “So, where did you come from?” she asked, moving on the conversation. “I assume, either House Jackie or Brody?”
“House Schneeplestein, originally,” Ivy’s fingers shifted to relive some of heat. “These days I’m with House Jackie, but I’m hardly ever there, let alone have a house there! What about you?”
“Well, I come from House Schneeplestein as well, but I feel much more comfortable in my current House, Jameson,” Autumn was hit by another bout of curiosity. “Have you ever met your Lord?”
“No, I’ve never had the pleasure,” Ivy responded. “I hadn’t left home until after the Year of the Hero, and no one’s seen Lord Schneeplestein in a long time,” she risked a sip of hot chocolate, and felt her tongue scald, so left it. “You?”
Autumn smiled fondly, but sadly. “I have, as a matter of fact, met Lord Jameson. You see, I joined the house the night of it’s founding, when I was fourteen years old. I had left my parent’s house for the first time… They never liked my affinations with the arts, but as soon as I arrived at Lord Jameson’s House, I felt a lot more comfortable. I had a conversation with him later that evening after I performed with my viola. He encouraged me to keep practicing and reassured my talent, which my parents never did…” Autumn trailed off for a second, but quickly caught it and carried on. “I looked forward to working on my skills with him, but he disappeared within a day.”
“I’m, I’m sorry to hear that your parents did not appreciate you talents,” Ivy felt it was important to approach that first. “But, you’ve met Lord Jameson?! What was he like?”
“It is truly amazing how much he can express with just actions and his face! You probably know he is mute, but just the smile he gives you… no person I’ve ever met had been able to tell me I did well without words,” she chuckled fondly at the memory. “And for someone who mostly communicates by writing he’s able to write quickly and legibly, which is a miracle if you’ve ever, for example, tried to take notes of someone’s speech.
“And he’s a true kindred spirit. I could never imagine him wanting anything bad for anyone.”
Ivy just nodded as Autumn talked, leaning back against the cupboard. It was clear how much the bard respected her lord.
“I do hope you’re right about him wishing harm on anyone,” she noted pessimistically. “Some of the rumours you hear…”
“I know, I know,” Autumn took a sip of her chocolate, unbothered by the heat. “I sincerely hope none of those are true, whatever lord they concern. They’ve all been through a lot, and they all gave a lot to us. I couldn’t imagine…” she found herself staring at the wall, deep in thought.
Ivy shuddered. “Let’s hope not. Duilintinn doomed if Anti has them,” she risked another sip of chocolate, and found that it didn’t burn her tongue this time. “Well, there’s the Watch I suppose, but we’re hardly a government.”
“Very true. As much as I feel like King Sean would never just ignore the threat and is probably doing something against him right now, I wish we knew for sure…” she tried to snap herself out of her gloomy mood by changing the subject. “So, you’re a Messenger? I’m sure you had a few adventures yourself?”
Ivy shrugged, although she glad to be off that topic. “A few. Most of it’s just riding from place to place, which can be boring admittedly, and the saddle sore! The first few weeks I could barely walk!” Ivy took another sip of chocolate, humming to herself as she tried to remember a story.
“Oh, right!” she had one. “So, one time I was crossing by a stream, a tributary of one of the bigger rivers, I can’t remember which, when I hear shouting. Someone had fallen in! Now, I can’t swim that well, but this person was making on heck of a ruckus, so I try to jump in, only to find the water was knee deep. I mistook children playing for actual trouble!” Ivy was a little embarrassed by the memory, but it was so long ago now she could laugh at it.
“Well, I guess it’s the effort that counts!” Autumn laughed with her. “How long have been doing this?”
“Since about 1609, so five years. Had to get established first, learn the routes. I think that old map is still at the bottom of my saddle bags,” Ivy thought for a moment. “I wonder if the Map Bard at Fort Stiofán would want it?”
“Oh, but a map is a sentimental thing!” Autumn cried. “Even if it is just a reminder that you don’t need it anymore, that you know your way, you should always know where you came from,” she then winked. “Don’t mind my opinion, of course. I still have some books from my childhood lying around, and I know that are a waste of space…”
“I suppose that is true,” Ivy agreed with the sentiment. “Although I wonder if I’m just too lazy to clean out my saddlebags. I probably have some old rations in there, and knowing Watch rations, it’s most likely still good!”
“You can never have enough rations!” Autumn declared, grinning. “And while they taste horrible, they hold on for way too long… I think they might even be enchanted!”
“I hope they’re enchanted!” Ivy laughed. “That’s a more plausible explanation as to why they last so long.”
“Oh lord, I don’t want to imagine any other explanations,” Autumn pretended to gag. “I’ve eaten quite a lot of them…”
“As have I. It’s not so bad with all the herbs in it, but it’s so dry! I usually have to add meat to it or whatever I can find to get it down sometimes. I’ve also learned to try and eat by a water source as much as possible.”
“Reasonable… I try to eat enough when I am at an inn or something similar, just so I don’t have to eat so much of them… I sometimes even help in the kitchen! I’m not great, but I’ve learned a thing or two there. That is how I know how to make the chocolate drinkable without it burning in the pot, it’s really a pain to get a feeling for it. I’m surprised this turned out okay!” to prove her point, Autumn took a swig of chocolate.
“Maybe you have some vegetables and meant, and we could try cooking a proper meal?” she then suggested once she’d swallowed her mouthful of chocolate.
Ivy had to think for a moment. “I don’t think I have those things on me. The best I’ve got is some offal and other nasty bits, but I usually give that to Otto. I could go hunting if you really want,” Ivy did not want to do that honestly. The sun had pretty much set and hunting in the cold and dark was the worst.
“Oh, we don’t have to,” Autumn assured. “I just suspect you hardly get the time to sit down and enjoy a proper meal, it would’ve been good luck. I only have some potatoes,” she laughed. “I precooked them for the road! I know, it’s weird, but I’ve found them to be a very good snack!”
“That sounds like a good plan. I keep meaning to do that, but messages always seem to take me by surprise. They always seem to want me when I’m asleep. I did not sign up to be the before dawn messenger!” Ivy cried, raising her hands to the sky. “One day I will be asked to deliver a message at midday! Someday…”
“I’m sure your glory hour will come!” Autumn declared dramatically. “Are there no other Messengers they can bother with that?”
“Yes! Yes there are!” Ivy laughed, trying not to spill her chocolate. “If I was the only Messenger we’d be in a lot of trouble! Although, yes, sometimes I’m the only Messenger at an Outpost that day, but the big garrisons have no such excuse!”
“They indeed do not have!” Autumn agreed. “I’ve been at some in my time, a lot of fighters have seen and heard a great deal. They are indeed well stocked on people, I just don’t think I’ve talked to a lot of Messengers! You poor people are always busy, no matter peace or war.”
Autumn took another drink before asking her next question. “Do you like living on the road?”
“Yes, I do,” Ivy smiled softly to herself. “It’s just, liberating. I could be anywhere, see anyone, do damn near anything. As long as I get to where I’m supposed to be eventually, it doesn’t really matter what I do. I admit, sometimes I miss sleeping in a bed, or having a hot meal, but that’s what inns are for. It’s just me, Otto and Firefly and most of the time, no one gives a damn what we’re doing.”
Ivy took a drink from her rapidly cooling chocolate. “As long as I don’t break the law, I’ve got free reign.”
“Sounds indeed like a wonderful life! I couldn’t imagine losing a home forever though. While I enjoy my excursions and I often find inspiration while going on walks etcetera, I think I would be hesitant to leave if I didn’t know I could come back…” Autumn shook the thought away. “Have you ever had to deliver a message outside the kingdom?”
“Not as of yet. I would like to though, I hear Haneul is interesting, and I’ve heard rumours of some kind of kingdom on the other side of the Western Forest! It would be incredibly dangerous to travel there of course, but that just makes it more interesting!”
Ivy was grinning at the possibilities, but came back to answer more of Autumn’s queries.
“As for not having a home, my father is still alive, and I have my brother and his family. If I truly need a home I can go to them,” Ivy now had her own question. “I don’t suppose you’ve left the kingdom? I know you’ve spoken to sailors,” she had to fight the urge to waggle her eyebrows again. “But have you ever got on a ship and just, gone?”
“I have rarely been out of the kingdom myself… I have some ties to Haneul, but only shortly after the Overnight Defense I found myself to the north…. I wouldn’t have found my way back actually if it hadn’t been for a Fae by the name of Nathan and his brother, Paultin, a bard like myself. Before the next civilization, there is a lot of wilderness there…”
Autumn shook the memory away. “But I hope to catch a ship soon, while I am down there in, say a month or two. Definitely before the next winter…. I sent a few letters back and forth with some people there that claim there is a connection between the Kings family and King Marks closer rounds.”
Ivy leaned in, very interested, not so much in the conspiracy though. “You actually got to go to the north? What was it like? Was it wet and rainy like the northern parts of House Brody? Or was there snow? Where would you go on a ship?” she paused in her questions. “Nathan and Paultin, for some reason those names familiar. How odd, maybe I read them somewhere.”
“You could’ve read of them, at least Paultin had a story or two to tell,” Autumn thought. “He’s gotten around quite a bit. And I think their family name was mentioned in a lecture about religions and cults… who knows?” Autumn shrugged. “I haven’t seen them since. The north was a tad snowy at the time, I recall. A lot more trees, and strange ones, stranger than I remember seeing at House Brody… but unfortunately, I do not recall everything from those events. I was weak from the Overnight Defense and confused, and it was a long time ago.”
Something occurred to Autumn and she eyed Ivy warily. “Did you take part on the Defense?”
“No, I did not,” Ivy half laughed. “I actually slept through it. I was in House Jackie at the time, and I didn’t hear about it until breakfast the next day. In my defense I had to be up early every day to help get the forge going so celebrating that late would not have been good!”
She then thought about the rest of what Autumn had said. “Yes, I probably read about them somewhere…” she wanted to press for more details about the environment of the north, but didn’t since Autumn said she didn’t remember it very well.
“Well sometimes I wish I slept through it,” Autumn was looking anywhere else. “I fear I haven’t been the same since.”
“Most people I know went through it say something similar,” Ivy added. “My sister-in-law I’m told has similar issues, not that she remembers what happened.”
“This is truly an unpleasant topic…” Autumn sighed. “We don’t even know if we actually won,”
Autumn stoked the fire and added a couple of logs. Ivy tapped the sides of cup and took another sip, as silence had fallen temporarily.
“It is hard to say on that one,” Ivy admitted. “We can only hope I suppose. We are still here, still watching,” Ivy paused after she said that. “That came out creepier than I intended.”
Autumn huffed a small laugh. “We call ourselves the Watchers after all,” she agreed. “That could as well be a creature from a fantasy prose! And to that we have a mystical eye as our banner…” she had a faint smile on her lips now.
“Ah yes, the King’s Eye, good old Samwise,” Ivy recalled. “Very apt for what try and do, although I prefer Conchúr’s method of actually trying to fight. Nothing against Stiofán of course, but they are more preoccupied with the ‘watching’ rather than the ‘doing’.”
“I wish I could actually help with the fighting, but I fear my weapon training is rather insufficient,” Autumn shrugged. “I am quick and have a good eye, and my education in House Schneeplestein helps me know where to hit, but a dagger is about the only thing I’ve used before. The last time someone gave me a longsword, I almost impaled myself!” she laughed, embarrassed.
“That’s impressive!” Ivy also laughed. “I fear my brother is the same. I once had to rely on him to have my back during the raids, the man was using a pickaxe,” Ivy shook her head. “I wasn’t that surprised when I had to cover him as well. His heart’s in the right place but he cannot fight.”
“Well, there is a reason I am a Bard and a Scholar, not a fighter!” Autumn responded. “Although I am quite intrigued by the different fighting skills one can learn. I wish I knew if any of the lords, well, except for Lord Jackie and maybe Lord Brody, are able to fight, and which weapon they would wield. However, I think very few people have seen them in battle.”
“Yes, my brother is an artist and a scientist,” Ivy chuckled. “Not much of a fighter. As for the lords, I would think they might, given that they were around before the Kingdom was stable, or established. But whether the other three lords wielded weapons I could not possibly say. You’ve actually met one, what do you think?”
“Well, I cannot imagine Lord Jameson ever taking up arms, but he certainly did not look weak! I assume he could give a good beating if he needed to,” Autumn paused to think. “And I agree, before the kingdom, I’m sure they had to do some fighting… I wish I could find more witnesses of that time actually willing to talk.”
“I can get a message to my father if you want,” Ivy offered. “I don’t know how much help he’ll be, oh, and maybe some of my old mentors if you really want. Bard Hazel should have some stories, and Scholar Marc is certainly old enough…” Ivy trailed off as she thought. “Of course, I don’t know if some of them ever lifted their heads away from their business to see what’s around them, but it can’t hurt to ask I suppose.”
“Well, if they have the time, let them know I will most definitely come to them!” Autumn seemed enthusiastic about it. “While my research is all in service of our lords and the king, I do enjoy the excitement and the excuse to travel.”
“I’ll see what I can do,” Ivy took a long drink from her cup. “I might not be delivering them myself of course, and you seem to be like me; in any place at any time, so I don’t know how long it’ll take to get a response, but we can try,” Ivy realised that she was missing a crucial piece of information.
“Do you have a full name? Or will I just be referring to you as ‘Bard Scholar Autumn’?”
“Well, my family name is Green, if you wish to give my full title. But you personally may also refer to me as Autumn!” she let out a giggle. “You may of course mention my profession and reason of my visit, though I feel that was obvious!”
“Autumn Green,” Ivy filed the name away. “Well, that’s all the information I need on that. From what I recall Scholar Marc is a stickler for details, so he would have very irritated if I didn’t even get your full name!” Ivy huffed a soft laugh as he remembered the old man. “I’ll get to that later, provided I don’t get called away of course.”
“You may take you time, I have another pursuit for now anyways,” Autumn took another sip of chocolate. “I am curious, if you forgive my intrusion, but I oh so rarely meet Messengers… if you may tell what was the oddest errand you ever had to run?”
“Oddest errand?” Ivy to think hard about that, humming a little. “There was a time where, for a while, I kept going back and forth between House Schneeplestein and House Marvin for the same scholars who seemed to be either collaborating or fighting. No idea what about, but occasionally I’d hear the letters talk, and then I’d wonder if I’d had too much mead the night before!” Ivy laughed. “That’s when I learnt the hard way about magical records.”
“Yes, magical records! The only spell I know,” Autumn laughed with her, having had similar experiences. “I enchant official documents myself or with the help of a mage. I hope my stories strengthen the memory of the lords and thus give them power and hope. I have woken up a couple of times during the night to glowing letters rearranging themselves, papers whispering to each other… Although I cannot tell you when I could’ve simply been dreaming.”
“Hard to tell with those things sometimes,” Ivy chuckled.
“That must’ve been a dispute between Science and Magic,” Autumn said in reference to Ivy’s memory. “I hear sometimes those areas of expertise clash, since magic tends to bend the laws science tries to establish.”
“I can only imagine,” Ivy shook her head and took another sip of chocolate. “Scholar Marc was a little put out when I told him I was going to apprentice under a Mage next, but he had the good sense not to push it. Obviously not all of them are the same! I should ask my brother if he as any idea who might have been sending those letters.”
“You should, I’m sure it would make for quite a tale! “Autumn took her last sip of chocolate, draining the cup. “A true shame I have no more of this… maybe I’ll find some merchants in the capital that offer it for not too much money.”
“I may need to see if I can get some myself, save up perhaps,” Ivy also drained her cup.
“I am curious of my destination,” Autumn added. “It has been a while since I was there. I am looking forward to seeing what changed. Have you been to the capital recently?”
“I have not been to the capital recently, so I cannot give you any idea of what to expect I’m afraid. Probably as busy as always though.”
“Very true. I have been lost in a crowd every single time I’ve visited, if I remember correctly!” Autumn’s mouth tilted into a smile. “But busy also always means many strangers and travelers with lots of stories to tell. I do not drink much, but I love sitting in a tavern and listening to their tales of lands I have yet to see.”
“You are braver than me,” Ivy shuddered. “I tend to get very tense in a tavern, especially if I am alone,” Ivy frowned for a moment. “I’m not entirely sure why, as you say there are stories to be heard in taverns. It’s just… I’m not sure,” Ivy cleared her throat, embarrassed. “The little quirks of life I suppose.”
“It is nothing to be ashamed of, I assure you.” Autumn waved her hand. “I have simply gotten used to my feelings of uneasiness by now, I suspect. I have also actually talked a lot more than I usually do today. I am more of a listener, simply because I can never know what the other person might be interested in,” she stopped talking and closed her hands around the empty cup. “Don’t mind me. It is nothing I should lament. At least I can talk if I have to.”
“I understand, I don’t often talk to people myself, too much time spent alone on the road I fear.” Ivy shrugged. “My brother used to be the same, he was always terrified that people wouldn’t be interested in what he had to say. He’s better with it now, but I doubt that fear will ever truly disappear.”
“I feel there is nothing worse than seeing the attention of a listener deteriorate. I am pleasantly surprised I was able to keep up a conversation this long, actually!”
“Me too, although with me it’s just the practice,” Ivy coughed a little, feeling her throat start to strain. “I talk to Firefly and Otto all the time, just not this much in one go,” she added sheepishly.
“Do you feel they can give you a response?” Autumn was genuinely interested, rather than dismissive. “Otto and Firefly, I mean.”
“Not verbally, obviously, but, yes,” Ivy admitted. “Just, I know how they move and react to things. Mostly they want food, but I’ve been there for most of their lives, it seems to mean something.”
Ivy laughed self consciously when she was done, still embarrassed. “Charles, my brother, always thinks I’m mad when I say stuff like that.”
“I’m sure it means something. Even if they just think of you as the person that gives them food and protection, you will be the first person they come to for that. And I am sure if you were in obvious peril, they would not abandon you,” Autumn looked down at her cup. “I should really get myself a pet. A companion, you know?”
“They do make the road easier,” Ivy agreed. “Does your horse not fill that role? Or would you prefer something a bit smaller?”
“Well, the horse isn’t exactly mine,” Autumn admitted. “I usually borrow transport from friends… I feel like something smaller, more independent would be better. Maybe even a pet that I could leave in my quarters for a while…” Autumn paused for a moment. “I have never really thought about it, actually!”
Ivy suddenly yawned and gave her head a shake. “Well, it’s worth thinking about. I think I had better go, just in case of the return of the dawn message, you know?”
“Yes, I understand! I’ll ask the guards for a room to sleep in, or see if there’s a bed in the barracks. Maybe I’ll see you in the morning!”
They went their separate ways to bed that evening. When Autumn awoke the next morning, Ivy was already gone, taking a message to another Outpost. Beside Autumn’s bed was a piece of parchment, with the addresses for Scholar Marc, Bard Hazel, and a Cyril Paris written on it.
