Arty Fox

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Hayloft -> Public House Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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BlackBerry rolled his eyes at Victories joke, though with a smile, and added "Yes, well, any longer and I shall be down to only two arms. Come along now let us make haste."

He followed Victoria, the pair scurrying through the night and across the road. Entering the Public House, BlackBerry let out a mighty relieved sigh, engulfed but the warm air filled with the tantalising smells of hot food, drink, and good company given the cheers that went up when they arrived. While the Public house wasn't busy he was glad to see that there was still some business, and all were in good spirits at first glance, suggesting that at least for now there were no immediate dangers to worry about.

While Victoria jumped into the fray of greetings and welcomes (He didn't recognise the three gentleman who had called out to Victoria, so he left her to it not wanting to intrude on the moment), BlackBerry instead practically bolted for the fireplace where he tried to shake the cold from his limbs, letting let out a satisfied 'aughf' while splaying his fingers to the fire. Even with his scarf, jumper, and even the blanket he had worn for the journey, the bitter winter breeze had managed to worm its way through to his bones.

After a few minutes of convincing some life back into his fingers, Blackberry drifted over to join Victoria, sitting down at the bar next to her just in time to hear her order. He raised his hand, "And the same for myself please. The journey here while uneventful was frightfully chilly. If I wake up with another cold tomorrow I shall be be rather cross." He gave a mock shiver to make his point. "But how are the rest of you? I hope there has not been any further trouble or rumours of such since we left? I imagine with how busy it is just outside the gates you must all be rushed off your feet."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Hayloft Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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BlackBerry had raised an incredulous eyebrow at Victorias initial response to his suggestion, but when she reluctantly agreed to it he made no further fuss either.
But upon spotting the Hayloft he was inclined to agree with her, and nearly turned the wagon around then and there; he had thought with the season it would have been closed and packed up, but in fact had the large doors at each end wide open for the wind, snow and wet to come and go as it pleased.

Bringing the wagon to a stop just inside the doors BlackBerry let out a "hm", unconvinced with his own thinking now it had become reality. Old Boy let out an equally unimpressed, and very tired huff, making it clear he wouldn't be going any further than a bag of oats.

"Yes, yes, all in good time Victoria. If you would just give me a moment." BlackBerry clambered down off the wagon and began stretching his travel weary limbs with the obligatory groans and cracking of joints.

While Victoria set about sorting out their campsite, BlackBerry secured the wagon in place and unhitched Old Boy, making sure to heap various praises upon the animal and gently stroke his snout. "What a wonderful creature you are, Old Boy, a king among all other Mules that is what you are. Come now, let us find you somewhere befitting you for this most detestable weather. Be back in just a moment, Victoria!"

BlackBerry walked with Old Boy (still giving the mule some well deserved praise) towards the Farrier as instructed to find a man fitting Victoria's description packing away the last of his tools. "Ah! Pardon me. My apologies sir I hope it is not too late for one more lodger is it?" BlackBerry, holding Old Boys Reigns in hand smiled politely at Fields, not entirely sure how lodging a horse or mule into a stable worked as he had never had one before. It was too late to back out now though so he stood there smiling at man, next to Old Boy. "You are Fields? Am I correct? I was told that we should have a voucher with Fort Darenby."

One way or another, BlackBerry would muddle his way through getting Old Boy stabled away requesting for just the one night.

Upon his return to the hayloft, "I have returned, Old Boy has been left in Master Fields' care for the evening. How are things here? Ah! But a moment before I forget." BlackBerry hopped back onto the wagon and rummaged in his back for the small stone he had made sure to pack that morning. "I should hope Lady Kathryn does have the other upon her person this time. Ahem." He spoke into the stone. "Arrived safely in Avonshire. Met man with moustache travelling to Southmoor asking of Party. Seemed reasonable but be cautious. Will report conversation tomorrow." He gave a self satisfied nod and packed the stone into a pocket on his person and left his bag in the wagon out of sight.

"There. If anything of note should come about it will have to wait until tomorrow. On that though I should say we have our conversation with L'Rose this evening." He grimaced at the thought of making an already long day that much longer. "The night should give us some cover and in this instance I feel some secrecy and subterfuge is wise." Said the bright blue dragon born to the lvavishly dressed bard. "My worry is in if we were spotted that it would be very hard to explain. In daylight rather is is much less suspicious and we can explain Madame L'Rose has given us permission to exhume her father in-law, but the act that would follow would raise a few eyebrows, and possibly some tempers." Pinching his chin he paused for a moment as he realised just where exactly his thoughts were treading. "I feel as if I should mention none of this is something I am in the habit of doing."

just as suddenly, BlackBerry waved away his troubles with a scowl. "Bah! What a horrid mess this all is and I am so cold I may well lose my arm." He stomped his feet for emphasis. "Let us dine at Bobs' this evening and then begin our work after; we can warm and freshen ourselves while the last of the night's wanderers tidy themselves away. As a bonus, we may even learn about the carnival as well! Oh it has been far too long since I have last seen one."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: Cold Location: Halfway Point -> Avonshire Proper Action: Wagon Driving Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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The Township was a welcome sight and as Old Boy galantly pulled them on BlackBerrys thought were already turning to the very important business of rest and food; the sandwiches from lunch had filled a hole but were a far cry from an actual meal. But of course his eyes were pulled to the caravans and tents sitting outside the Township walls, admiring the bright vibrant colours hardly diminished by the evening darkness.

Thankfully Old Boy had the sense to keep his eyes on the road ahead and plodded onward.

BlackBerry did draw the wagon to a small stop when the soldier, notably dressed in Darenby Colours called out to them. He said to Victoria, "Ah, it really does seem our adventure has already been making a name for us.", and then once she had eloquently deflected the praise, he turned to the soldier and asked, "May I ask as to whom has been been asking for us?"

BlackBerry was already half expecting a particular answer, but it made sense to ask in case anyone else was asking for them.

At the halfway point, BlackBerrys eyebrows(?) had shot up when the man mentioned their groups name (patent pending. Subject to change). With a grin, and a quick look at Victoria, he spread out his arm and decried; "Well I am happy to announce Sir you are indeed correct; you have found two of our happy group. However, you must forgive our rudeness for we are in a rush to reach the Township before dark, otherwise we have endeavoured to answer your questions. Though I may say if you are travelling to the vineyard you shall of course meet the others in due course."

Now a few hours later and many more miles, BlackBerry and Victoria had now arrived at the Township thankfully without any further excitement. Though as the sunlight continued to dwindled it had become harder for him to see the edges of the road, only evident by the weak moonlight shining off snow banks to guide him. How Victoria was still able to read that book of hers was beyond him. Once the guard had given him.and answer, BlackBerry would politely give thanks before moving them on.

"Well I would suggest we first find somewhere to retire and make Old Boy comfortable." BlackBerry began as they steadily made their way. "I believe the place I stayed at when we met could host us all." BlackBerry could feel as well as see the tiredness of the poor Mule who had become more sluggish to BlackBerrys instructions since they had entered the walls of the township. To be fair BlackBerry as well was feeling somewhat tired both from the ache of concentration guiding the wagon, but also in his arm as well for the same reason.

Guiding Old Boy through the streets of Avonshire, decorated in bunting and decoration for a different celebration than before, he listened and nodded when Victoria mentioned where the Cemetary lay. It was indeed a problem without any easy fix that he could think of.

He sucked on his teeth. "That could indeed cause an issue. Perhaps the hayloft we all stayed before would be more prudent; less eyes to notice ones absence." A tug at the reigns and a click of the tongue prompted Old Boy to begrudgingly change course at the next corner. "I do however have some business to attend to; namely the errands Lady Kathryn and Kosara have requested us. Though at this time I suppose they shall have to wait until tomorrow so let us try not to cause any sort of fuss."

The task before them did not fill him with any degree of excitement. His voice had been low and hushed even as the conversation drifted to other matters. It was becoming increasingly evident they were going to have to sneak their way to the cemetary, this being on top of having to dig through frozen ground, then no doubt deal with whatever trouble the gods of misfortune would conspire to throw at them. BlackBerry gave let a small huff at the very idea of it all. Perhaps they needed a pickaxe.

"And what of your book? Anything of interest?" He asked. He had tried to get a look at it during the journey but hadn't been able to read anything in the darkness.
"Otherwise once we find a quiet moment we should let Lady Kathryn and Kosara know about the man investigating us. I should hope his intentions and reasons for the investigation are good natured and without ulterior motive...but given our track record thus far....well. It is never a bad idea to be cautious."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Halfway Point Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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BlackBerry continued to glow under the praise Victoria gave him especially given her own background travelling; he was not so pious a monk as to shoo away any compliments to his work. Still..something in Victorias wording made him pause.

'If we are still in each other's company...'

He turned the words over in his mind, pouting a little, and realised that as a group they hadn't made any plans for after the season to stay together but also hadn't planned otherwise either. He had somewhat selfishly assumed they would all be travelling together wherever the winds too them next, or even more selfishly he had hoped to bring them all home to aid in his own personal mission. In the end though the insinuation still stung a little as he had gotten quite used to everyone's company and antics, even rather fond of them all including the time Lady Kathryn had broken his ribs. It was something to address later, he decided, with Kosara and Lady Kathryn as well hopefully after this mess with the Prince had been resolved.

BlackBerry finished up his work and after giving the mule a hearty scratch behind the ears then joined Victoria at the wagon just in time for her explanation of the coffin which drew a very blank look and a few astounded blinks from the Dragonborn as he packed away the brushes.

"Well I certainly shan't be be laying any claim upon it so have at it, Victoria." He then gave her a look of mock seriousness as he added, "Careful Victoria, this is how rumours start; sleeping in a coffin, an interest in macabre topics, and travelling with the once-living. Why if I had yet seen you standing in daylight before me I should have some suspicions." He then dashed away the pretence with a laugh and a wave. Clambering up into the wagon he made towards the front where he had stashed his bag. "Now with Old Boy fed and watered shall we make do for ourselves as well, yes?"

BlackBerry had just grabbed the small parcels wrapped in paper and twine from his bag (a selection of sandwiches; bacon and egg, bacon and egg, and finally, bacon and egg) when he heard Victoria cough in a strange manner, he almost called out to her before common sense stopped him. After hearing a cordial greeting both from a strangers voice and then Victoria replying, BlackBerry then threw common sense to the window by pulling back the canvas to look at who had arrived.

"And a frankly cold one at that, I might add." BlackBerry did indeed add with a wave to the stranger; a man with shoulder length hair and a thick moustache, dressed in appropriate winter furs. His polite grin and wave then turned apprehensive as he leaned out the wagons front to look back at the trail towards Southmoor and the Vineyard hidden far out of sight beyond. The poor man didn't have a chance of reaching it before dark. "If it is the Vineyard you are looking for I would advise abandoning that idea till morning, and stop at Southmoor for the night."

A few red flags went up in his mind as he politely regarded the stranger; it seemed odd anyone making the journey to the vineyard when Madame L'Rose had said all but essential workers had been sent home for the season, and this coupled with the various...'goings on' of late, they had already received a gruesome reminder so perhaps this was a more measured though no less threatening reminder. To add to that thought, Master Urmdurus had gone ahead of them so the two men must have met along the way and surely the Stranger could have asked for directions then?

Maybe Blackberry was just being overly cautious and this was all a coincidence?

"Might I ask what compels you to the Vineyard this time of year?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40/ 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: On the Road -> Halfway Point Action: Driving (Land Vehicle: 13) Bonus Action: (Persuassion: 15) Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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The journey continued interrupted by any ruffians, vagrants, or otherwise unappealing individuals which was a welcome change from the past few days. BlackBerry followed the directions given to him by the Mosswaters between the few bits of polite information the three of them shared over the journey. Not long after leaving Southmoor did BlackBerry feel the polite tapping on his shoulder from the Mosswaters asking to be dropped off.

"It was a pleasure to properly make your acquaintance, Masters Mosswater, I do hope we shall find time to meet again under less...interesting circumstances. On that matter though, if I may be so bold as yo ask that you both could kindly keep all that you may have heard the previous evening to yourselves, please. At least until we have managed to safely resolve the matter. Of course should you have need of us at all please do not hesitate to call."

His mind turned back to the other evening with Master Laurent threatening to rave and shout about everything from the rooftops. The last thing they or the L'Roses' needed was more people turning against them and making their work any harder.

Back to the present time and place of BlackBerry arriving to pick up Victoria, the little relief BlackBerry had when Victoria politely brushed aside worries of waiting long was quickly dashed at the mention of 'baggage'.

"Baggage?" BlackBerry replied dumbly. He looked over Victoria without seeing any extra bags on her...until he looked at Morty with his (some would say darling) errand cart. Morty, being very dead, didnt look back. "Ah yes...of course. Oh very well. Come along Morty let us get you strapped in shall we?"

BlackBerry hopped down from the cart bench with only a small grumble to lend a hand getting Morty into the wagon which really only amounted to lifting the errand wagon up after the undead swine had managed to scramble in himself. "Why yes, Victoria you are correct in your deductions for this wagon is of course fitted with all the trimmings needed for any journey." He gestured with a wave to the various odds and ends they had managed to gather and forgotten about. "We really should find time to actually sort through everything."

Soon enough they were back on the road again and Old Boy pulling the wagon at his usual comfortable plodding pace and BlackBerry cheerfully making whatever adjustments needed to keep them moving in the right direction. A mix of worry for the frozen road and lack of confidence kept BlackBerry from pushing Old Boy to move any faster than he already was, and daylight was slipping away faster than BlackBerry initially thought.

Despite this BlackBerry was still glowing from Victorias compliment, "A far cry from a few weeks ago." Victoria hadn't needed to snatch the reins from him at all on this journey, but she showed her expertise and experience by noting Old Boy needed a rest which BlackBerry agreed to and directed the Mule into the Halfway Point.

Following Victorias plan BlackBerry set to work securing the wagon and getting Old Boy comfortable, unwittingly the mule and removing his harness, and treating Old Boy to a well earned brush down just as Jon had expertly taught him to.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: One to the open road! Action: Driving Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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"Ah! Kosara, Good Morning to you." BlackBerry cheerfully greeted her and nodded at her request, leaning down to accept the coins he added "Why of course, I shall do my best to find something suitable. By the way, there are still some left overs from breakfast in the kitchen should you or the others wish to help yourselves to anything."

Drop off the Mosswaters, deliver a letter for Lady Kathryn, picking up some spices for Kosara, on top of exhuming a corpse. Blackberry almost grimaced at the last topic of his to do list.

Did they even have a shovel?

The little caravan set off once again with the brisk trudging pace of Old Boy following in the trails left behind Master Urmdurus' own cart heading in the same direction out of the Vineyard and onto the main road proper. BlackBerry of course called ahead to the man with a cheery, "Good Morning to you, Master Urmdurus, All is well I hope?". Otherwise, journey progressed as expected with BlackBerry keeping Old Boy at a steady pace but weary not to push too hard or too fast given the state of the snow covered roads, and generally not wanting to tire out the poor mule either. Hedgerows laden with snow and ice drifted lazily past them and fields of white lay all around them, almost hiding all the secrets of the world away from the weak sunlight from above. It was a stark difference to when they had arrived where everything was only just beginning to get a dusting of frost. Despite the picturesque landscape about them all, BlackBerry could feel the awkward unease of his two passengers sitting behind him, and for his own party BlackBerry ruminated extensively as to whether or not to address the issue

"You both will have to forgive my ignorance but I shall need some direction. If I recall correctly you said your farm was at the end of the Laurent one, yes?" The somewhat familiar shapes of Southmoor had drawn about them and looked quite content in their own comforting wrappings of winter snow. But Blackberry was more concerned with other matters, namely the time and a quick cast skyward confirmed he was indeed running late! Hopefully Victoria wouldn't be too upset with him. Ahead of them Master Urmdurus' own cart had managed to keep a brisk pace and was almost out of sight far ahead of them. BlackBerry would of course follow the directions given to him by the pair, even offering, "If there is anywhere otherwise you should prefer to part ways please do say." before the more familiar territory from the Ankheg battle came about them making BlackBerry shudder at the memory of the horrid giant bugs.

But another very different topic occupied most of his thoughts; it was obvious to him that Babal had been quite upset by his dreams last night and was still somewhat shake by it all. At risk of eating his own foot, BlackBerry turned in his seat and tried to offer some words of reassurance, "How are you faring this morning Master Barbal? Fresh air agreeing with you I do hope? Try to put your mind at ease as much as you can for the dreams should not return this evening. If on the very unlikely chance that they do you are of course most welcome to send word and we shall do what we can to aid you. And of course, settle the matter surrounding the area once and for all too."

Soon enough a pair of familiar shapes took form ahead of him, one a swine tied to a wagon and the other a very cold looking but otherwise fashionable musician.

"Good Morning Victoria." BlackBerry called, and drew the caravan to a stop beside her. "Apologies for the delay, have you been waiting long?"

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: The Coach House -> On the road. Action: Setting up Old Boy (Animal Handling: 12) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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BlackBerry listened intently to Lady Kathryns short recounting of her dream with a deepening furrow of his brows (eye ridges?). If Victoria were there as well he would have liked to have compared their dreams and try to find any common or even familiar thread though he wasn't too sure how helpful the dreams could be. He didn't even get a chance to ask any follow up questions before she finished inhaling her food and nearly sprinted out the door with Lizbeth in tow.

"You be safe also!" BlackBerry called after them.

He sent after them a worried sigh and rubbed his eyes in a silent wish that all would be well, or at the very least neither would encourage the other into something dangerous; Lady Kathryn always the noble defender and Elizabeth trying to prove herself would not make a good mix. He still recalled yesterdays excitements.

"Well, I suppose I had better get things ready for our travels also." He turned his attention to the Mosswaters while gathering up the used crockery and cutlery into a pile. "May I ask Master Barbal if you had any strange dreams yourself at all?"

BlackBerry would listen to Barbals description of his dream with an appropriate grimace at the mention of bugs hatching from where the sun didn't shine. The whole ordeal, dream or not, had clearly shaken the poor man but BlackBerry couldn't really get anything of use from the tale. Some more questions later might be in order but breakfast and talk of bugs clashed terribly.

"I do apologise profusely for the trouble Master Barbal. It does sound like a most dreadful dream." BlackBerry called from the kitchen where he was giving the last of the plates a quick wash. The Pot from last night was left on the counter still abandoned and ignored for now. Returning to the Taproom he added, "Though I must add Kosara and I did try to warn you, but if that is the only dream you have then you shall have feared quite well considering what else you may have dreamed...anyway, a night in your own bed and some decidedly Not-Cursed Brandy will do you the world of good I should think." He tried to finish the sentence with a chipper tone trying to smooth over the situation the Mosswaters had unfortunately stumbled in on. He made a mental note to politely ask them along the journey to keep everything they had overheard from last night to themselves if possible.

"On that note, please excuse me for a moment while I go gather my things for the journey and get Old Boy ready as well. You two are of course invited to join us for the journey and we shall drop you off on the way."

He set off to do just that leaving the Mosswaters to finish their breakfast while he got himself ready; Heading upstairs to collect his bag, swords (you never knew!), and an extra blanket for the journey. BlackBerry found the winter wind as disagreeable as ever and Old boy seemed to agree with him, as the mule protested at first being dragged out of his nice warm and dry stable into the cold,and even after being lured out with the promise of some nice oats he gave a disgusted look at each flurry of snow the wind tried to whip up into shape. Jon had been an excellent teacher so BlackBerry was able to get Old Boy all hitched up to his wagon in very little time. As for the wagon itself, it did take BlackBerry a little bit longer to brush away the snow from the bed and making sure the tarp for the cover was in good condition to use, and in the process unearthed the Chamber Pot. ("I wondered where that had gotten to." )

"Gracious me it is cold out there." BlackBerry returned to the Taproom with an exaggerated shiver to emphasis. "Gentleman, your chariot awaits. Shall we be off? Splendid. I did make some sandwiches for the road if you require them."

Once said sandwiches were gathered from the kitchen and both the Mosswaters were sitting comfortably in the Wagon, BlackBerry would give the reigns a smart flick and accompanying click of the tongue they set off out of the courtyard and onto the road.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: N/A Action: Cook (10) Bonus Action: Breakfast Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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"Well, serves you right." BlackBerry called to Lady Kathryn from the kitchen where he was keeping an eye on the eggs sizzling happily in the pan. "Did you happen to gleam anything of note or use from your dreams at all?"

Popping his head out of the kitchen he put on another appropriately sheepish look, spatula still in hand. "Well...uh, well as you were just upstairs and the doors are no longer bolted as they were during the night, being that all are up and awake now. And I did offer to make breakfast this morning." Whatever the rest of the reason was quickly fled with him back into the kitchen.

BlackBerry knew that 'I'm not accusing you of anything except the thing you are currently doing which I expressly forbade you from doing and while I'm not mad, I am disappointed' tone and regardless of who it came from, he never liked what came after it. His only saving grace is it was coming from Lady Kathryn today and not someone like Brother Roveil or any of the Matrons back home. He decided not to tell her he had scurried into the basement to gather some more bacon just before she had arrived.

He watched over his spread of eggs, bacon, mushrooms and other breakfast components all sizzling in the pans and grill with dilligence, making sure none burned even as they occasionally spat at him. With seemingly everyone having already make their own plans for the morning (Victoria gone and Kosara dashing out the door) he had unfortunately a lot more on the go than was really needed. Oh well. At least he had something to make sandwiches with for the journey.

"Breakfast is ready!"

A small feast had been prepared and piled high upon a plate for people to pick at as they may; bacon, eggs, black pudding, mushrooms and some slices of toast, accompanied by various sauces and jams to enjoyment he had sadly neglected to make a pot of tea.

"Right then." He bagen spooning honey onto a slice of toast. "Here we are, if anyone should want anything fresh or otherwise then do say and I shall hop back to work. Otherwise I suggest we quickly make haste with our day; Victoria has already set off earlier this morning. She left a note Lady Kathryn, I was unfortunately not awake by then to see her off." He added hoping to distract Lady Kathryn from his own misbehaving. "She simply requested to meet on the main road to Avonshire."

He chewed his food thoughtfully on that point wondering what it was Victoria was up to, or even Losara for that matter running off to Master Urmdurus at such a time in the morning. A mystery to ask about when he next saw her.

"Oh!" He quickly swallowed the mouthful of honeyed toast and accepted the letter from Lady Kathryn. "Yes of course. I shall make sure it arrives safe and sound at its destination. I do seem to have a growing number of errands to run in the township. I do hope to set off within the hour. Just need to sort oyt Old Boy and his wagon woth the thought to accompany the Mosswaters as far as they may."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Lady Kathryns Room -> Kitchen Action: Cooking Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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BlackBerry jolted awake and in a bleary confusion in a room he didn't immediately recognise.

He was sitting in a chair across from an open fire, now dwindled down to a hissing heap, wrapped in a blanket and with the small book he had taken upstairs with him rest open in his lap. The wandering words of Monsieur L'Rose were still as un-fathomable as ever, even more so in his sleep addled state.

He recalled he had finished his watch (including a quick peak into the other rooms barring the Mosswaters as Lady Kathryn had requested) thankfully without anything of note and had come into Lady Kathryns room to wake her for her watch. He then had settled himself in the arm chair before the murmuring fire, with sleeping bag as a blanket, and the written ravings of Monsiuer L'Rose, it had taken very little time at all for him to fall asleep.

BlackBerry began to stretch and his neck immediately began complaining. Served him right really; falling asleep in a chair, still dressed in yesterdays clothes, at least he had had the good sense to use the sleeping bag he'd been given as a blanket. He spent a bit of time readying himself by folding up the blanket, wishing Lizbeth and Lady Kathryn a "Good Morning, Did you sleep well?" each, surprised more himself that he wasn't the last one awake for once. He of course finished his morning routine in his own room given that Master Urmdurus had chosen not to stay with them that night, and after freshening himself up for the day he went downstairs.

BlackBerry was less than pleased to read the letter Victoria had left for him, and he doubted Lady Kathryn would be any more happy to hear of it. The sun was still quite low on the horizon so she must have left pretty early for him to have missed her. Morty had of course gone with Victoria, but BlackBerry was still surprised to find the creatures absence a little strange.

Absently, as he began rousing the fires back to life and set about preparing some breakfast, he wondered what Victorias business could be.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Taproom -> Upstairs Action: Starting Watch Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 2/5

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"We absolutely do not." BlackBerry shot down the idea of taming a bear in an instant. "There are enough mouths to feed as it is."

The discussion continued on with the idea of Lizbeth joining himself and Victoria on their quest to dig up Master L'Rose., to which he opened his mouth to try and argue. But at that moment Lady Kathryn quite rightly shot down his own idea of staying downstairs for the night, and offered him some floor space instead. Part of blackberry was glad for the offer, and for a possible out of staying downstairs, possibly alone, and with the memory of the fight downstairs still fresh. The door into the Coach House may have been reinforced...but what about the doors inside?

Still, he could almost hear the Matrons back home gasp with indignation at the very idea of him, an unmarried man, and Lady Kathryn, an unmarried lady, sharing the same room. For his part, BlackBerry simply blinked a few times in slight surprise; necessity at one point had already broken that barrier of 'Moral and Social Decency' for him a while ago but it never did well to assume.

"Now, now, it is quite alright Lady Kathryn." He held up a placating hand. "I see your point, and all very well put I should say. If it is no trouble for you then I shall happily stay in your room for the night; a bit of space by the fire though would be more than suitable. Thank you." Necessity wasn't demanding they huddle in bed together for warmth. He did add with a smile though, "I will happily accept the bribe regardless."

Blackberry's smile then dropped as he turned to a more serious matter, and to Lizbeth who was clearly debating with lingering horror if she should join them tomorrow.

"You should stay here, Lizbeth." Blackberry looked at her and said with finality, clearly signalling he wasn't going to budge on the matter. "You have your training with Lady Kathryn, and there is plenty enough to investigate here. Focus on that, please. Let myself and Victoria handle what we must. And try to forgive us if you can." There was no point in scarring the child further than she already had been.

After waving off the Mosswaters with a polite, jovial laugh, he followed suit in gathering his own cutlery and any other plates, cups, cutlery and taking them into the kitchen. "Right, off to bed with the rest of you. We have a busy day ahead tomorrow. I shall be up in a bit Lady Kathryn once I have finished washing up. There is a Watch tonight Kosara. I am on First, but have nominated yourself for Last so best get some sleep while you can. Go on, get." With the teapot in hand he gently motioned for the others still in the Taproom to get going to bed. He gave the same instruction to Victoria upon her return, but he did take a moment to reply with a similar soft and apprehensive tone, "Grim business indeed, and no mistake. I shant lie I do not relish the idea of what must be done but...I shall leave a question or two on the paper."

True to his word BlackBerry would take the time to do the washing up (forgetting the pot which would then be left to soak) and writing upon the paper which he then folded in half. After Blowing out the candles he headed upstairs with one of the recovered books tucked into his cloak, and a chair as Victoria had requested which he would leave by the door in the hallway for her to find.

It was his watch first. The darkness, and the wind blowing outside would be his only companions for the few hours he would be awake for. Time would be taken to gaze out the window onto the courtyard, and the on in Lady Kathryns looking out upon the grounds. He had to admit it was better being up here than downstairs; there were windows, and the work Master Urmdurus had done on the door had been quick but it still reassured Blackberry to know it was there. Despite his intentions the book he had brought up would lay untouched on the table in Lady kathryns room.

'The Question'

What were the terms of arrangement you had with the Prince?