Arty Fox

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 15 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Meeting Spot Action: Bonus Action: Reaction: Mild Panic Ki: 3/5

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Adrenaline quickly shot back through Blackberry's body when the voice came once again. He spun to face the corpse, the wound in his side screamed at him, reading himself for another fight.

But no fight came. The corpse remained still and silent once more. Hopefully it would stay that way.

He let out a deep sigh which turned to fog in the freezing night air. All at once his strength seemed to leave him and even the astral arms still floating at his shoulders appeared to droop, even dimming slightly.

"Well you simply cannot be left unsupervised." He muttered more to himself than to the headless corpse. He tried hard to suppress a shiver without much luck.

The astral limbs came back into focus upon the physical plane and fingers took shape at the ends, gripping and then pulling the fabric of Blackberry's robes which had come slightly loose sluggishly back into place. He gave a little yelp of pain when he tried to touch the first wound he had been given, and with a hiss BlackBerry decided to leave investigating it to later. He hoped it would be somewhere warm. Speaking of hopes, he turned his head back up to the sky in the hopes of seeing what had made the earlier 'caws' of reply but was met simply by snowflakes upon a backdrop of darkness. BlackBerry looked again to the silent Winery in the distance and then back to the corpse, now slowly gathering a thin blanket of snow. He couldn't stay there standing around freezing his bits off, but he didn't trust leaving the corpse on it's own either, but also what if somewhere was happening back at the winery?

The corpses last words hung heavy in the air and BlackBerry took the moment to wondered if anything he may have given the creature. He was certain he hadn't said anything particular, but perhaps its 'experiment' was more to do with it than him? No...it said it had learned from him...but what?

BlackBerry shook the worries from his mind; he didn't have the time right now to wonder, he had to find out if the others were okay, and then (Cecily's words concerning the dead being on the property from days ago came to mind) get Toombes' body out of here. With the reassuring thought that the corpse probably couldn't do much without a skull (he made a mental note to find the skull, having a vague idea of where it had been sent flying to) he took off down the path back towards the winery at a pained, limping run.

And the evening had started off so well too!

---
Jon meanwhile nearly tripped his way out of the Study upon the heels of the adventurers with his head spinning like a top, right into the sight of Monsieur Laurent being damn near manhandled by Lady Kathryn in what very generously be called a dance. Currently he felt as if held together equal parts in spite of and because of the glass of wine he still held like a life line to anything sane in the world. Earlier, he had wisely kept his mouth shut after Victoria's thorough if blunt explanation of the situation which he couldn't really argue against.

Now however the man looked slightly ill and kept opening, the closing his mouth and worrying the words he didn't quite have the gall to say. Horse, livestock, how to run a stable those were all things he knew and had very strong, and loud, opinions on. Graveyard soil? Rituals? Magic? This was all far above his station and anything else he had ever wanted in life. Waddling to the table he made sure not to meet either Annicks gaze or her supposed wrath.

"Baronfjørd is in trouble?" Jon echoed as he put down the now empty glass, with the worry barely contained in his voice. "Well we best go get the man before he half freezes out there dressed as he was and how he is." He was already pulling his coat close tight and steeling himself for the cold. "What sort of trouble are we looking at Miss Victoria? Now, now hold on lets not all go rushing out there like headless chickens."

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 15 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Meeting Spot Action: Unarmed Strike (hit: 5, hit: 23 dmg: 6) Bonus Action: Astral unarmed Strike (hit: 11, hit:14 dmg: 8) Reaction: Mild Panic Ki: 3/5

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The fighters continued trading blows in the snow bitten moonlight. BlackBerry's breath froze into soft clouds in the darkness as he continued his part of the dance. The skeletal figure stepped forward with its right hand down in preparation for an attack, then shot it forward only for BlackBerry defensively swatting away the blow. But his guard had been fooled! The other skeletal hand shot out from the shadows and buried into BlackBerry's chest.

Biting back another cry BlackBerry jumped after the skeletons withdraw and tried to land a kick only for the creature to hop lazily away with a laugh. But he carried the momentum forward and planted his foot deep into the riding snow, snapping out his fist into the creatures chest. The remaining flesh upon its form collapsed under the blow But the remains of Toombes was apparently unperturbed by this damage to it's suit and simply laughed again almost with a bored drawl to its voice when it spoke.

"Oh would you kindly-" BlackBerry spat, rage driving his next attack forward, the astral limb snapping forward into empty air where the skeleton had been just a moment before.

BlackBerry twisted on the ball of his foot following the creatures movements, it empty eyes, its stolen smile, its grotesque dress of the man it had once been now cruelly killed. BlackBerry ground his teeth.

"Do. Be." He stepped forward. An astral limb burned with fury into the physical plane. A yell tore from between clenched teeth. "Quiet!"

The astral limb tore apart the short space between it and it's target. Had the skull still be encased in flesh it would likely have just been a broken nose, a cracked cheekbone and a lot of bruising. Instead however, the skull snapped violently backwards on the hinge of the neck and what little flesh remained gave a token effort before snapping completely, and the skull flew backwards spinning away from the body into the darkness. The body stood for a few seconds, almost as shocked as BlackBerry, before it toppled forward into the snow. Finally at peace.

"Ah." BlackBerry, after a minute to compose himself, grimaced down at the corpse. Still with the Astral arms up he inched closer and then, because you could never be sure, nudged the shoulder with his foot. It didn't move. "Well. one problem solved...I am sorry Master Toombes. I do hope you did not suffer." He tried not to focus too much on the flayed skin of the skeleton.

BlackBerry turned away from the corpse and looked towards the main house, with nearly all its lights dark it looked quiet and picturesque in the falling snow, but to Blackberry it held a worrying question. He stared at it for any sign of something out of the ordinary, anything out of place, anything might reveal trouble was afoot. He couldn't see anything, not at this distance at least.

"Victoria?" He called to the darkness above hoping for a replying 'caw'. "Do say that is you there, and all else is well at least?"

In the flickering torchlight BlackBerry stood flanked by his astral limbs and steam rose quietly in torn rags from his lips, and blood from his wounds froze into red dripples. He inched forwards towards the path fighting the urge to sprinting down it.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 24 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Meeting Spot Action: Sending Stone Bonus Action: Summon Astral Arms (save: 13, dmg: 6) Reaction: Mild Panic Ki: 4/5

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BlackBerry scowled at the cackling menace hoping and skipping back and forth across the snow. The moon then chose to flee behind clouds, abandoning BlackBerry and plunging the world into soft darkness.

Another strike, this time the finger bones finding their way past his guard and into his stomach. With a gasping swear he tried to move back, to the side, anywhere to put some distance between them both, but the creature was dancing, giddy with glee upon his toes. More crimson flowers bloomed upon snow and were quickly churned by the dancers movements.

"No. This is just an experiment." The creatures cackle slipped between red stained finger tips.

BlackBerry could lash out, to down the threat before it took him out. Currently he was getting his arse handed to him with every strike whittling him down bit by bit. But the beast could still have important hints or information for them to use. An idea struck. He was out here, alone, in the cold with no weaponry, but he did however know someone who did. BlackBerry gave up the guard and instead dove into his pocket to fish out the curious little rock with face almost as if it were wincing at its owners fight.

"Oh come now, you are no fun." BlackBerry growled small puffs of smoke into the frigid air. "Let us not be so coy. All this trouble and for what?"

He delved into his pool of power sitting at his core and pulled it into the world. Fire burst outwards from his shoulders, it lunged and rolled across the vile beast in front of him before lurching back and coalescing back into his faithful fiery limbs.

But with that all said, and noting the vile had deftly side step the astral flames, BlackBerry then spoke to the little rock with slightly more desperation than he meant to let on. "We have a Guest. To the South, rendezvous point."

Clearly the wine had affected him more than he realised.

---

Jon, meanwhile was suffering a fate worse than death watching his employers niece lead a group of Adventurers into his previous employers private study. Jon took a quick swig of wine in honour the late Arnaurd L'Rose, and more importantly to steady himself.

Annick had mentioned something had been wrong about this place for long time and Jon right now wondered if maybe the crazy old bat (by the gods he hoped she couldn't read minds) was onto something. The rumours and signs he had seen of something wondering around barefoot came quickly to mind but now he wondered if there was something more going on?

Emboldened by a health amount of worry, and an even healthier amount of wine which was then topped up by another mouthful, he followed after the others.

"Now now lets not be too hasty Miss L'Rose." He said in the brief moment of relief the site of the closed iron door gave. "Your fellow BlackBerry was always saying you all were a good lot. Maybe we should let the professionals deal with this and we go get your Aunt, yeah?" He suggested with a vain hope of not being ignored a second time.

Even as he said this though his feet moved of their own accord following after everyone into the hidden study, either through morbid curiosity or simply not wanting to be left on his own Jon would never admit to either.

"Oh" Jon pointed dumbly at the sarcophagus.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 31 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Meeting spot Action: Grapple (6) Bonus Action: Insight (3) Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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It had been with every step towards the figure as the details came into focus under the evening light, that his stomach had sank with sickening fear.

He was then at the last step, rooted to the spot staring at the horrifying remains of the man likely known as Toombes. Before him stood something even worse than very worst possibility he had imagined. The figure lunged and he couldn't help but wonder if the monster even meant to actually attack him or if it was just trying to scare him. The whole scene seemed too horrifying to be true, and even less so still beneath the comforting blanket of wine upon his mind.

The figure, the desecrated corpse had moved with surprising speed and horrifying grace. With a maniacal laugh it was upon him in an instant. Blackberry gasped when it collided with him and the pungent stench of decay filled his lungs. Pain shot through him from his right hand side as the corpse continued to cackle into his ear. He'd been stabbed!

Now with his earlier question answered, he grabbed at the monster hoping to hold it close for his own retaliation. Still it laughed in his ear but underneath that was the noise of a sharp 'snap' and another bolt of paint from his side. BlackBerry only let out a grunt. He felt his grip slide past exposed, slippery ribs, before landing upon flesh. His grip tighten but still it managed easily move away from him with the sound like leather being torn.

BlackBerry looked down at the chunk of tattered flesh in his hand. In the moment of equal horror and disgust his mind raced in effort to connect all the dots and clues before him. It appeared their Time Limit might be drawing closer than they had hoped, or possibly this thing was acting alone? Again too many questions and not enough answers. But BlackBerry hazarded a guest as to who 'they' was, now to see if he could get a few more details which could help them. A sly plan started to form.

"I see why the rush. Held together by nought but reckless abandon. No wonder they chose us." He flicked the tattered flesh as disgracefully as he could to the side, it landed with a dull splat in the snow, and aimed at sidewards glance towards the monsters hollow eye sockets. "I wager you feel you could settle the task better?"

BlackBerry collected his thoughts as settled into his usual fighting stance. Whatever the creature before him was it was clearly not whomever it had been before. Something sharp shifted within his wound, drawing a quite pained hiss from his lips. He was out here all alone, in the snow against a clearly aggressive adversary. No matter which way he cut it, BlackBerry was in a dicey position.

---

In another much calmer part of the world in the main tasting room, Jon found himself in an equally fraught position. The mans eyes darted from beneath furrowed eyebrows at each of the gathered adventurers he had suddenly found himself with.

He had had for a singular moment been emboldened by the wine to put up a token verbal fight of; "Oi, what are you doing?" When Annick had started messing with the lock.

But the look Jon had received from the woman had quickly put him back in his place with an unsaid promise of finding out how many rumours around her were true, should he say anything. So Jon stood with the glass of wine in one hand, and a bottle in the other (the entire reason he had missed the tour with Rens leaving), and looking very confused about the entire situation he had just witnessed. He was the Stable Master. He knew horses, their temperaments, breeds, illnesses, training, and general care. Whatever as happening now was far, far outside of his comfort zone.

But still he couldn't just let the situation go after witnessing one of his employers guests' guest so boldy vandalise said employers property.

"So...Miss Lizbeth" Jon looked first to the door the Medician had left, half expecting her to come flying in again. He then put down his drink and bottle before he began in the type of tone of someone who wanted to say a lot more but keenly aware the final decision was not theirs to make. "Just what is this all about? And I can't say your Aunt would be happy with this; breaking into your grandfathers study." Jon wisely stayed on the opposite side of the table as his scowl momentarily flickered to the adventurers present.

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: Rose River Vineyard (tastingting room) -> meeting spot Action: Perception (19 + 2) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: x/5

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Jons eyebrows knitted together for a moment when, after polite introductions were made, Lady Kathryn offered her thoughts on his suggestion. "Oh no, Miss, Horseshoes its a game we play sometimes. You throw them y'know." He threw an invisible horseshoe across the room. "Aim for some pegs and score points." After draining the glass he moved towards Rens to make sure that if there were to be any more drinks on offer during the tour that he would be first in line. "If you pop down sometime you're likely a lay-about or two will already be playing, or BlackBerry here can show you how it's done; He's got one hell of an arm on him."

BlackBerry's eyebrows on the other hand were in the middle of what could only be described as an interpretive dance back towards Lady Kathryn. The up, down, side to side and cha-cha-slide could then be roughly translated to; 'If you both disappear sometime this evening I wont wonder where you've gone, or try to find you.'

However he said, "No no, lady Kathryn do not trouble yourself." He waved away the suggestion. "As I said I shant be going much further than the fields, if that at all. With any luck I shall be back before the tour has started proper. Do save a glass or two for master Toombes and I if you would, please." He gave the request to the room at large before he left.

He retraced his steps through the cellar and soon found himself back out side where the wind and snow snatched away his breath as he chattered out a stunned, "Cold as Aurils breath!"

BlackBerry stood there in the meagre shelter the doorway offered stamping his feet as he waited for a gap in the slow dance of fat snowflakes. Barely a few minutes past before he got bored, and cold, simply standing around. Thankfully the path towards the was well lit but lanterns dutifully laying out the path he was to follow even when hidden by the snow. His first destination was the most obvious and he hoped his only destination; the meeting spot Rens had described to him. While not overly familiar with the spot he still knew vaguely the way to go. He was ever thankful for the shoes he wore as with each step the snow crunched under foot.

A figure appeared, coming into view behind the curtain of snow fakes as he neared the meeting spot. The silhouette did not move. Plus, BlackBerry was too far away to pick out any meaningful details from the figure.

Emboldened though by sight he walked a bit quicker hoping his quest was at an end. BlackBerry pulled the layers of robes tighter about him as he hurried closer.

"Hello there!" He called through chattering teeth to the figure. "Frightfully cold this evening is it not?" He would wait until he was closer before asking the figures identity, with any luck it would be Toombes though he had no real idea of what the man looked liked other than he had a lot of tattoos, but asking someone to strip in the middle of a snow storm frankly did not seem like a sane request.

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: Rose River Vineyard (tasting room) Action: Constitution (19) Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5 Drink: 3

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The evening was still a marvellous time and it wasn't even that late. BlackBerry continued to enjoy the delightful array of foods on offer; cheeses, biscuits, some dried fruits, found their way onto a small plate he set aside for himself to pick on between sips of delicious Honigblume wine. There was now doubt, and no small amount of excitement, that by the end of this evening BlackBerry would learn what people meant when they described wines and okay or fruity or dry or what lever other words assigned to taste and flavour.

He smacked his lips appreciatively and as soon as he set the empty glass back down Jon was there filling it back up again which BlackBerry only put up a token fight against. But even as the next glass was laid it appeared Cecily was trying to moved the night forward with a further tour and further promises of more wine to try. But it seemed that Victoria had some plans of her own with the odd request to keep the tour going on in the tasting room, even while her plus one decided upon a tour of the winery. The wordly bard was up to something he was certain and hoped it related to getting some answers this evening.

"I take it Toombes is not normally one to be so late to such events?" The worries from earlier had resurfaced at Master Rens mention of their missing guest.

There is a time limit, a traitorous thought whispered. Despite the brandy and Honigblume wine whispering in his ear, go on just one more it would be impolite to leave now. BlackBerry still had all of his facilities for now.

"I do not mean to cause a fuss. But perhaps something has happened to the poor fellow? It might be best someone go out and find him." He regrettably put down the glass of wine. "If it would do well for you Master Rens and Madame L'Rose, for I do not wish to appear rude, I understand you are both otherwise engaged this evening but I can go out to try and find him? If you would tell me his appearance and direct me toward the meeting spot then perhaps I may find him with any luck. Worry not I shant be long. I have not intention to go further than the vineyard boundary if I should even need to go so far."

He paused for a moment look down regrettably at his half empty wine glass. It really was very good wine. "Do not worry yourself either Jon, I shall not drag you away from the evening on this little adventure"

Jon who had moments prior been looking at BlackBerry as one should when another suggested leaving a party just as it started, suddenly brightened. "Well as long as you're sure you can handle yourself out there. I'm sure Toombes is alright though." He said in an effort to save some face, and quickly turned to Master Rens " Right Rens, Bout time you showed me how this all works. The boys down at the yard have been after your secrets for years." He winked at the man over the rim of his glass.

BlackBerry tightened his robes about him in preparation not relishing the thought of leaving the warm, comfortable confines of the winery and its tasty wines, food, and company it provided. But He was worried about their missing guest as while no more other...Guests had arrived on the land it wasn't something that could be ruled out. Hopefully Toombes was just running a bit late or simply in a ditch a few steps away.

BlackBerry caught himself at that thought and wondered if maybe this adventuring life was really healthy for anyone.

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: Rose River Vineyard (tasting room) Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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BlackBerry's attention had fully left Lady Kathryn and Kosaras conversation in favour of the one with Cecily. Sipping still at his drink he nodded in understanding as she answered his questions.

He supposed that it just being herself and Lizbeth there hadn't been anyone else to take the time to sort through everything. Even back home it sometimes took a few days before someone gathered the strength to clear out the room of any recently deceased. But with what had recently come to light he would have thought Cecily of all people would have decided to investigate further. He wisely chose to keep this last thought to himself under another sip of his drink. He wondered also if he should perhaps offer to lend a hand? But resisted, thinking that it would be unseemly and elected to suggest it later should he find the chance to without prying eyes. No doubt the locked study contained at least some answers.

"We do a little thing at the Stables for it too." Jon added to Cecily's own words of the Frostival. "Just some mulled wine, cake, and the like, nothing too fancy mind. Sometimes the horses even leave some left overs for us. Hah!"

BlackBerry joined in with a small chuckle at Jons little joke. He quite liked the sound of the Frostival here, and the Master of the Harvest to him sounded like a way to add som6e fun and whimsy to an otherwise hectic or busy time.

But then he had heard the word 'darling' which grabbed his attention back towards Lady Kathryn currently giving Monsieur Laurant a verbal dressing down. He grinned seeing the familiarity that had suddenly emerged between Lady Kathryn and Kosara but he did have the good graces to keep his mouth shut. Althought, when Kosara did pass by he turned to shoot Lady Kathryn a conspiratorial smile and waggle his eyebrows in Kosaras direction.

Oh this was a delightful evening indeed.

"So, are you lot planning some games or something? Or are you just getting tired of being losing." Jon asked while playfully jabbing his elbow into BlackBerry's side, who then gasped sharply. "Ah, sorry lad. Thought you had gotten patched up. You all right?"

"Yes, yes, I am quite fine thank you Jon. Just caught by surprise is all." BlackBerry replied as he made sure he hadn't spilled any of his drink. "I do advise though that magic can do wonders but it certainly cannot make you forget a decent punch. To answer your question though, yes indeed. Lady Kathryn and I have had some fun fights but, well, to put it bluntly, we have grown rather tired of simply beating each other senseless and are looking for something else to try."

"Oh. Why not Horseshoes?" It was a very on brand suggestion of Jons.

A wild 'caw' caught the pair of them off guard and in sync they both looked towards the bird in Victorias arms and then to each other.

"A fabulous spell of our dear Bard." BlackBerry explained, and then added after a moments pause. "You should ask her sometime to show you the steed which she may produce also."

It was then that surprisingly the pair time had surprisingly passed them by and it was now time for the second toast of the evebing. And still the last guest hadn't yet arrived. But the drink and merry atmosphere put whatever worries BlackBerry had out of his mind.

"Indeed this is quiet marvelous!" He nodded vigarously innagreement to both Victoria and Lady Kathryn. "And I had thought the last drink was brilliant, well done to all involved. Not least of course to yourself Mater Rens."

It was as he was indulging in another taste of the wine that he stopped suddenly. "My word where are my manners. Lady Kathryn, Kosara, and Victoria. May I introduce you to Master Jon, if you are not already familiar. He is the most senior stablehand here and I would bet my arm he knows more about horses than any of us combined."

Jon, suddenly finding himself in the limelight simply raised his glass to the three and politely repeated his introduction from earlier; "Evening all."

"Jon here has been ever so kind in graciously taking me under his wing these past few weeks. Or perhaps months even? Gracious me how time does fly."

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: Rose River Vineyard (tastingting room) Action: Chit Chat Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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"Ah. I see." BlackBerry made a small grimace as the mystery of everyone's reactions was solved but he quickly wiped away the expression. "My Apologies, Lizbeth, Madame L'Rose. I did not realise. I meant no offense of course." But even as he turned away from the door his eyes lingered on the lock for a few more seconds.

Why was it locked? Greif, he supposed, he knew, was a strange thing and could be a reason for the lock. With the Wine Tasting this evening it was possible that Cecily or even Lizbeth thought it prudent, especially given recent revelations, to not let people mistakenly wander in to find something they shouldn't. A little bell rang in BlackBerry's mind reminding him of the rumour from a month or so ago he had heard of a worker going places they shouldn't. Perhaps tonight he could convince more information on that note from Jon but given how long ago it was it didn't seem too likely.

Was the padlock new or old? He would have to find out somehow.

"Jon." BlackBerry leant over to the man as they were drawn to the centre of the room. "Might I ask what is a 'Retainer'?"

"Some sort of servant I think, y'know for kings and queens."

"Oh?" BlackBerry said, and then again with less enthusiasm when the dots connected and his opinion of Monsieur Laurent dropped. "Oh. I see."

Well, he thought, she is 'Lady' Kathryn after all.

And, now that he thought about it, on the way over she had adopted an about herself he hadn't seen before on her; she stood tall with he shoulders back not like a soldier with them squared and tense but relaxed instead even with an arm around Kosara. She spoke differently as well as if she was filling the room with her voice without shouting. BlackBerry was struck momentarily with the imagined vision of her standing before generals and diplomats, laying out plans and directions for them all to follow. He blinked and the vision was gone.

"Pay him no mind." Jon then using the excuse of handing Blackberry a glass of the drink, then whispered with a conspiratorial wink. "Bit of a twat really."

BlackBerry chuckled quietly as he hesitantly accepted the glass from Jon and eyes the dark liquid within. He caught sight of Victoria's plus one doing the same which he thought was strange but brushed off as something people who drank a lot of wine did, as he had seen Victoria do a few times. Speaking of Vcitoria, he watched her and the others drink their drinks and enjoy the flavour, all without any further changes of their person. He looked down again at the dark liquid, tapping his glossy blue fingers against the glass in thought. He reasoned that neither Victoria or Lady Kathryn had suffered any further changes since unearthing the Brandy, and if there was anything strange with it was now diluted by the wine.

BlackBerry threw caution to the wind and took a sip, and was very quiet for a few seconds. A smile slowly spread on his face and he let out a low moan of appreciation. While BlackBerry admittedly did not have a refined enough palate identify all the flavours, notes, or what have you of any drink, he did know enough to appreciate a good wine when he tasted it.

"Oh, Oh this is divine. Madame L'Rose this is marvellous." BlackBerry praised her, and Jon beside him nodded in agreement whilst taking another swig.

With the toast concluded it looks like people were starting to peel off into their own little groups for idle chatter.

"Is it just Toombes who we are waiting for then, Madame L'Rose? I do hope the fellow is well for it is mighty cold out there." A traitorous thought came along to wonder if more Guests may have arrived and that was why Toombes was late, but he banished the thought quickly. "And would I assume correctly this 'Master of Harvest' is part of the celebrations for Frostival?" As he made a note to talk to Rens after this, an idea struck and his eyes it up. Turning to point a finger towards Lady Kathryn the proclaimed, "Lady Kathryn! Bale Tossing!"

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: Rose River Vineyard (Coach House -> Tasting Room) Action: Insight (12) Bonus Action: Recounting Epic Battle Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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While the others were spending their own time getting ready BlackBerry took the opportunity to dash out but didn't say where he was going. Even upon his return he would simply say, "Just running a quick errand that I should have done before. I should not wish to spoil the mystery of my Plus One this evening" With an innocent smile and a wink. Thankfully he had returned with more than enough time for Kosara and Victoria to make suggestions for his outfit for the evening.

"A 'Toga'? Yes, that will do quite nicely. I only hope to look even half as marvellous as the rest of you. My, we shall indeed make a fine addition to the party this evening. Gracious me, Lady Kathryn. Where have you been hiding that dress? I ask in the upmost compliment of course but I must say that until now I had yet to see you not a suit of armour or something of the like."

Despite Victorias initial misgivings of his general appearance, which he agreed on while trying not to feel insulted, BlackBerry was open to most of Kosara or Victorias suggestions on outfits but he did insist on wearing the more warm and colourful fabrics they found amongst the offerings. Once he had dressed, BlackBerry spent some time admiring himself in front of a polished silver tray, turning this way and that to get a good look at himself as the waves of orange and reds, cinched by a simply belt at the waist, swayed around him. The wooden fish still happily tied around his horn clapped appreciatively at the sight. After making sure his swords were safely stored under the bed and putting on his faithful scarf, BlackBerry was ready for the evening.

While he and the others were being escorted by Cecily towards the Manor House BlackBerry kept spinning on his heel to look behind them, keeping an eye out for someone but continued to keep pace with the others.

"Oh! Before I forget; Lady Kathryn and I were wondering if anyone has ideas for games or competitions even? No doubt you may have heard along the grape vine, or Madame L'Rose, Lizbeth may have informed you that we have been doing a bit of training. In fact our latest session, Lady Lathryn here was the victor..." And so BlackBerry took the time of the walk to inform the others of his and Lady Kathryns friendly fight.

"Epic Battle"

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Baronfjørd "Blackberry" Chedgusah Dragon Born, Monk (Astral self), Level 05 HP: 40 -> 4 / 40 Armor Class: 16 Conditions: N/A Location: Gazebo Patio Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A Ki: 5/5

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Fighter (Rune Knight), Level 05 HP: 49 / 49 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Gazebo Patio Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn figured it was far overdue for a rematch against Blackberry. As previously she had wanted a good sparing partner, and figured she wouldn't go too hard on her friend not wanting to discourage him. However, she had underestimated his monkish abilities, and she found herself stunned and overwhelmed despite a solid opening start. That would not happen again. When the dragonborn monk had agreed to the sparing again, Kathryn was ecstatic! "Awesome!" She sang sung like a little kid just told she was going to the toy store. Arriving at their old battleground Kathryn didn't make nearly as much of a show with her sword this time. Instead prepping her armor, and holding her hand out dramatically for her hammer, and soon her shield from Lizbeth. Letting the young bean be her practicing squire. "Thank you!" Kathryn said giddy, unable to hide her excitement. Then soon turned to Blackberry. Though she was wearing a helmet Kathryn's overjoyed posture more than gave away how excited she was. "Are you ready?" Kathryn asked in the calmest inquisitive tone she could muster.

From the opposite end of the 'battlefield' BlackBerry twisted and stretched out his limbs both to ready himself for the on coming battle an to put on a little pre-fight show for their gathering audience. Once again word of the pairs little training battle had swiftly ran across the vineyard which BlackBerry was starting to suspect was in no small part to Young Lizbeth, who was bouncing with almost as much excitement for the battle as Lady Kathryn!

He had been quite surprised by but eager to accept Lady Kathryn's offer of another fight. He was still riding high on his sweet victory from the last one and more than happy to give the night another taste of his power. BlackBerry grinned with malicious excitement. It was a fun game between the pair of them now to see who could knock the other down first and had both agreed to not go as lightly as last time.

"One moment." He tilted and turned his neck until it gave a satisfying 'pop', and then with a sigh settled into his usual boxing stance. "Ready."

The second Blackberry gave any indication that he was ready Kathryn was on him. The word hadn't even fully left BlackBerry's mouth before the Knight Lady Kathryn, powerful as she was terrifying, was upon him. So terrifying in fact that the last syllable of the word 'ready' ran back home, shut the door, closed the curtains, and hid under the bed with no intention of ever being seen again. This resulted in everyone around the sparing partners was BlackBerry saying, "Read-eep!". Closing the distance between them in less than 2 seconds, and within that time doubling in height as her hammer swung back, and shot forward like it was shot from a slingshot slamming Blackberry in the chest. But Kathryn wasn't going to physically punish her friend. Not yet. First, she was determined to knock him flat on his ass. And once he was flat on his back, Kathryn unleashed a flurry of blows that could have been seen as cruel and unusual punishment. Looking back, maaaaybe she got a little carried away. Or had way too much fun clobbering the shite out of the poor monk.

BlackBerry had tried to move, to dodge out the way like in the last fight when he had been knocked down but this time was different; Lady Kathryn had gained the upper hand in speed, and as tried to then twist and spin himself upright the hammer came down on his side. Hard. He was knocked back down onto the ground with the air forced from his lungs. The now painfully familiar feeling of a particular rib snapping shot through every thought. This was not like last time. The hammer came down again, and again, and again. BlackBerry gave into instinct and curled in on himself while covered his side as best his could to cover the rib and stop it from acting like a nail for Lady Kathryn's hammer.

"Yield." The wheeze finally crawled from his throat. "Yield. I yield."

And like that, it was over. Kathryn was still breathing heavy as the strain to close such distance so fast and unleash such righteous fury on the poor monk had not come cheap. In that moment she had exerted herself to a rather harsh degree. So much movement in her new heavy armor proved taxing, yet worth it. She was fully prepared for BB to counter, and being caught up in the moment she didn't really register that BB had been unable to counter her, and she found herself beating on a man flat on his back over and over again. She was ready to land yet another blow when she finally registered the work Yield. Apparently he had said it twice... maybe three times now... she couldn't be sure. "Oh my gods are you okay!" She called out realizing she had begun to beat him like one may beat a spider to death when surprised. Only with far less arson. Grabbing his hand and bracing his foot with her own she began to pull him up. With her shield tossed to the side and her hammer stored she was more than unburdened enough to help her friend up. Then, he made the mistake of speaking up.

"Actually I changed my mind." BlackBerry winked away a tear and despite everything gave a little grin. "I can take one more hit, but anymore and I may lay an egg." Kathryn froze. Though her face was still hidden behind her helm, she found herself holding BB up by his solo arm, foot brace by her own, and her free hand resting on the head of her hammer. For a long tense moment Kathryn held BB partially suspended in the air. Then she relaxed with a very audible laugh. "Oh you're joking! Okay that makes much more sense." Then she pulled him up the rest of the way so he could stand on his own two feet. "Sorry again about the egg thing. Kinda got... It's hard to explain." She'd be lying if she said she wasn't curious on how dragon born eggs worked. But beating a man senseless and then asking him how his kind laid eggs seemed kind of rude.

While the crowd dissipated one field worker had called out "Boo!! I've seen better staged chicken fights than this!"

Kathryn simply gave the man a wave, wishing him his best day despite the carnage unleashed. Kathryn had simply gotten lucky with getting the first hit in, and had made a few very great followup hits. Ending the battle before retaliation could take place. With that, Kathryn turned to Lizbeth and smiled as she took her helm off. "That my dear, is how you win a fight."

As they all drew to the House he caught sight of someone standing under the canopy trying to hide from the wind and chill. "Jon! There you are my good man. I had worried you would not be able to make it."

The man, Jon, wandered to the group from under the canopy's safety. He was dressed in his nicest clothes which being a working man even of high station, amounted to a well looked after simple jacket with a woollen jumper underneath. "And miss the Wine Tasting? Not for the world. Glad to see you walking still after the other day. You could have given me more time to get ready though." He removed the smoking pipe from his mouth and gave a polite nod to the others, and then to Madame L'Rose and Lzbeth. "Afternoon all. Madame, Miss."

The tour started and continued through the cellar. BlackBerry was simply amazed at the sheer size of it all and how much it contained! The cellars of the Monastery had nothing on this place despite the building standing atop them being a few times bigger than L'Roses home. BlackBerry would be the first to admit the details, let alone the basics, of commerce that Cecily cheerfully explained to them all and he politely nodded to. From what he could deduce from it all it seemed the Lizbeth would remain quite comfortable once she came of age. However, something in Cecily's story coupled with the knowledge of the letter rang a warning bell, and BlackBerry wondered if Cecily's little pause suggested she wondered the same thing.

"Hello there!" BlackBerry playfully called into the darkness and then made a show of putting a hand to his ear waiting for the echo. "Gracious me. This may take some time if we are to taste all of this"

Brought into the main tasting room he was impressed at the show of it all and the number of people gathered filling the room with a comfortable warmth and noise of people chatting amicably to each other. The food and drink laying on the table of course caught most of his attention and there was a momentary fight within himself, but he managed to withhold himself until such time that Cecily began the festivities proper. But until then, there were people to meet, and to re-meet as well! BlackBerry gave a quick wave to the Mosswaters as Cecily moved them along to a very respectable older man leaning heavily on his walking stick; Monsieur Laurent.

After making her own introduction to Monsieur Laurent Victoria then headed off to talk to an older looking woman with an apparent permanent scowl. He followed Victorias example and held out his hand to Monsieur Laurent.

"Pleasure to meet you Monsieur Laurent, and to put a face to the name." Even as he spoke to the man BlackBerry's eyes were drawn over the mans shoulder to the large lock upon the door. It seemed so out of place surrounded by the elegant and tasteful decoration. The old rumour of someone being someone they shouldnt popped into his mind, was that lock the persons quarry? "I do trust you have had no further issues with the, ah how did you put it Madame L'Rose? Insect Problem. If you do please just send word and we shall be over to lend a hand like that." He snapped his fingers for emphasis.

He then stepped back to let Lady Kathryn and Kosara to make their own introductions. The pair did make a handsome couple.

But as introductions were made BlackBerry couldn't help but focuss on the locked door. "Well I must say, Madame L'Rose. I was aware you wines were well sort after but I did not realise you had to take such drastic actions for it." The thought popped out before he could stop it, but he saw no issue with it anyway and let it pass with a chuckle. He then turned to Madame L'Rose expecting a similar response.

Instead he was met but a subtle change in the air. If he hadn't been looking at her he would have missed the subtle change in the polite smile on her face; the sudden strain at the edges of the polite smile, a crinkle between on her brow, and slight widening of the eyes. She was nervous about something.

BlackBerry, feeling his own heat of nervous embarrassment at apparently stepping on a particular subject, quickly brushed the matter under the rug with another chuckle and a quick turn back to Monsieur Laurent. But he then caught sight of Lizbeth and caught her gaze snapping away from him to anywhere else she could see. She was nervous as well.

What had he said?

Jon meanwhile suddenly seemed to find his unlit pipe very interesting, making a show of trying to refill it despite being inside. Monsieur Laurant as well seemed a bit off. In fact out of everyone here, BlackBerrys eyes ever dancing roved across everyone gathered, it seemed only the party and Victoria's Plus One who hadn't reacted oddly to the comment. However, the old woman seemed just as focused on everyone else as BlackBerry was.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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

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BlackBerry titled his head and nodded as he absorbed Victoria's explanation. It seemed to line up mostly with his own experiences of the festival.

"Yes it is quite the same even so far as my corner of the land. Thiugh there is more a focus on the spiritual side of things mind. But once the various rituals and blessings are complete then oh hohoho oh then why yes indeed then the real festivities begin."A mishevious chuckle slipped through grinning teeth and BlackBerry bounced his legs at the memeories. "A marvelous feast inviting many of the townsfolk, and great bonfire in the courtyard if the weather permits. Oh you shall all have to visit sometime it is marvelous! And then, and then, do promise to keep this to yourselfs though, but some years one can slip away at night to join the choirs and gamesm there is a frightfully fantastic one that is my favourite."

By now BlackBerry was leaning across the table after throwing an arm up and around in a jolly pantomime of the celebration back home.
"One may join others in going door to door dressed in such fanciful attire as a horse or other such animal to ask for a song or ryhme and if the host cannot reply then iti is cake and wine for the winner. Do becareful though as it is custom to put coin into the batter, they say it is good luck should you find it. The jury is still out though as to what is means should you accidentally eat it."His eyes took on a far away glaze as he sank into the memories for a few minutes before he returned to the present to answer Victoria's question.

"Oohh but,Victoria, while I would love to hear who you all bring I think a surprise might be yet more fun indeed." His eyes innocently flickered between Lady Kathryn and Kosara while he not so innocently made a bet with himself.

He then wondered who he would bring as his plus one. It suddenly occurred to him that while he had been working hard the past few weeks there weren't many of the handful of people he had spoken to regularly he could think to bring. Jon, the head stablehand, however did stand out but BlackBerry wondered if the man had already been before or was already invited?

After a few minutes deliberation BlackBerry settled on asking the man anyway when he had the time as therewas no harm in asking anyway.

"I do suppose I might need some new clothes, however." He gingerly picked at his robes. "Yes, these have indeed seen better days."

Weeks of hard labour and several more months of traveling interspersed with combat had left their mark on his robes as strings of messy stitching, hastily applied patches, and stubborn stains he hadn't yet had 'Prestidigitation-ed' away.

"We do still have the silks and fabrics from our Guests, do we not? I might see if I can put together something tasteful. If I could perhaps borrow a hand or two, please?"

The word 'tasteful' lodged in BlackBerrys mind for two reasons. The
first, being a Monk he had never had much in clothing aside from a few robes, nor did he have any real want or need until recently, but after time spent with Victoria and Kosara his mind was slowly being introduced to the concept of "Fashion", and he wanted to try it. Secondly, it occurred to him that maybe wearing fabrics given by an unknown party who knew a bit too much about your hosts niece and suggested dark contracts with said hosts deceased father-in-law could be seen as not very tasteful or even so far as being distasteful. Another part of him however stated the silks were simply far too good to waste.