Guinand's head throbbed. Did someone call his name? He wasn't sure. Guinand stalled, still laying there in his bed. He couldn't even remember what had happened, or even where he was. Hopefully, if someone did call his name, it wasn't anything urgent. Besides, if things had been quieter he would have been much more alert. The woods were much quieter and gentler than the cacophony of this... Iron Company. That's right, Guinand was in that one castle. Stag's Rest was it? He couldn't quite think straight, as dream and reality melted together, he couldn't tell quite what was what anymore. That didn't bother him at all...

... But nothing quite woke him up as a man shaking him violently. Guinand's body rattled helplessly as his head snapped into the present situation. The man mumbled something. He even knew him by name. Strange, Guinand thought, he didn't even remember meeting him before. The man barked something about a punishment too, but Guinand was still rather sleepy when he spoke to him. Guinand got down from his bed, gave a quick stretch. As he leaned to his right, he suddenly realized that something WAS happening. His mind suddenly became alarmed, but then he calmed down. If it was important it would probably find him sooner than he'd find it. He grabbed his white tunic, boots, belt, leather vambraces, and his deerskin hood and cloak. He made sure each was well-fastened to his body. Then he grabbed his quiver. He fastened it to the left side of his waist. He reached back down to his personal chest to grab his arrows. He took about twenty or so, and deposited them into his quiver. He took his hunting dagger, and strapped it to his right thigh. He closed the chest, and pulled his longbow from under the bed. He quickly strung it, and slung it over his shoulder. 

Guinand realized that this man was still watching him. How rude, Guinand thought, who was accustomed to privacy from his solitary time. These people were stranger than he expected. Nevertheless, Guinand didn't let it get to him. Once ready, he followed the man. They walked down a series of halls and paths until they came upon someone he recognized better. Gnarl was it? Was he the bear? Guinand didn't think he looked much like a bear, not like that other.... [i]thing[/i] he saw sporting a loincloth. Yes! There was a man with a loincloth! More was coming back from the previous night. Before Guinand could recall from the muddled mess of memories, Gnarl barked at him to follow him. Guinand still wasn't sure what he was doing. If the man who fetched him had told him, he didn't listen; but now he knew his name was Theodore.

As Gnarl briefed the Queen on the situation, Guinand realized something did happen while he slept. His eyes lit up a little, but he didn't show any emotion, they weren't really in danger he supposed. Seeing Gnarl bowing instantly instigated Guinand to bow too as if by reflex. Guinand hoped he wouldn't be the one to approach the riders. What good did a longbow do on a mounted beast? He couldn't hope to possibly stab someone on horseback. Not that he'd be inclined to. He'd sooner climb the nearest tree and hurl pinecones than attempt something so foolish. Maybe even take a nap up there and devise a plan. His head throbbed at the sound of a nap. Now the Queen told him and Theodore to ready the castle for guests. Guinand didn't know which was worse: dressing up mercenaries as princes or inviting armed men to a tea party. Guinand sighed softly. Maybe he'll be able to go out hunting later on today and relax in the silence. At this thought he smiled to himself. Guinand didn't particularly hate chores, but this day wasn't exactly turning out promising. The thought of doing something familiar relaxed his tense body.

[b]"As you wish, your majesty,"[/b] replied Guinand, returning to his present predicament. So it was up to him to choose whether he would ride to his death, or deal with whores and disgruntled men. He'd been met with a terrible fate indeed. He felt repulsed at this second choice. He had a special dislike reserved for this kind of debauchery. He turned to Theodore and said, [b]"I suppose I'll ride out and invite these men, I trust you can do a little housekeeping, yes?"[/b] 

Guinand would rather throw his lot with the pinecones.