Teal dinner with the harpers
                         
Standing slowly, Clavel makes eye contact with Darrin and calls to him,
"Darrin. Please. Come and join us by the fire. Christian here would like
to know of tenets. Though, I have not had the chance to teach ye yet, thy
Astounding cleverness shall surely show that no teaching is necessary."

Clavel then speaks to Christian, but keeps his eye on Darrin. "Ye wonder
why Darrin didn't tend to my horse? He didn't, because I asked him to
carry out his duties as leader of our group. I have never seen such a
devouted young man as Darrin. He wishes to serve me MOST fervently, but I
have asked him to wait till we get to Waterdeep to commence his duties as
squire."

Focusing his eye back on Christian, Clavel notes, "I see that ye enjoy
goading him. But I must tell ye, that it doesn't work. Darrin's much too
strong for that." Clavel sits back down and beckons to Darrin to join and
for Christian to sit.

"Rivalry is good, I say. But enough is enough. The two of ye should shake
hands and become friends. Together ye could accomplish many a grand
and heroic feat. Much more than if alone. 'Tis the fool that stands alone
against the whole world. And I don't think thou art fools."

"Thou have both proven to me that thou art clever, lads. Now prove that ye
art wise as well. Shake hands and sit by the fire. I'll speak of Tempus
and how I found my faith."

Clavel waits with the platter of steaming food in his hand, eyeing the two
youths.

>Andrew goes to Zephta:"if you will be so kind to serve me, Lady Zephta, I
>would be honored". After Zephta gives him his plate Andrew turns back
>and... slips. His food falls all over Christian.

>He apologizes:"Oh, I am sorry Master Christian. I am such a clumsy
>fool..."

>He seems very upset with all the mess he has done, but the slightest
>smile can be seen on his lips.

Clavel stands quickly in surprise at the spill, dropping his own platter to the 
ground in the process. "Andrew! Ye've got sauce all over my boots and breeches! 
Damn. Use those powers of thine to clean us up, if ye'd be so kind." He begins to 
smile seeing that he is not the only one messed up. "I see he's got ye as well, 
friend Christian. Now. Now. Clean us up Andrew. So that these two lads can shake 
hands and iron their differences out once and for all!"

Clavel eyes the two youths, smiling sheepishly and waiting for Andrew to do his 
thing.



>Methos rises from his conversation with Clavel and walks to Darrin and Zeptha.
>As he passes Christian, he deftly unshealths his dagger and with a quick motion
>of his arm, pierces a meaty morsel off of Christian's frontside.  "Mmm, 'tis
>a pity to have food go to waste.  Christian, my boy, you squire quite well...
>as a serving plate."  His eyes meet those of Christian, lingering there for
>a few seconds to see if he will get a reaction as he smiles broadly at the
>boy.

>"Darrin and Zeptha, please sit down and enjoy the meal.  Since I
>are still under your employ, I will gladly serve the remainder of the meal
>to our `guests'."

>< Andrew smiles broadly >
>I am sorry, Clavel, I didn't memorize the Clean Boots spell last night. I
>think I'll have to use more mundane methods to do the job. If you take out
>your boots,I will be glad to clean up all the souce spilled.
>Milady Zephta, there is no need to offer me another plate. I wish I had been
>more careful. I'll eat the leftovers, if there is any after everyone eats.
>He bows cordially to Zephta, using his most charming smile.
>He turns back waiting for Clavel to take off his boots. He doesn't mention
>Christian. He glances at Clavel to let him know he would prefer to play dice
>with a Baatezu then to clean up the spoiled boy.

>< His smile broadens when Methos pierces the morsel off Christian >

Clavel frowns as he sees his companions trying to make a fool of Christian. Angry, he
immediately stands up and interposes himself between Methos and Christian. Before
anyone can react to the dangerous threat that Methos has brought upon the party,
Clavel growls, "Put that damn dagger away, Methos! Is this the way we treat our
guests? Didn't we invite them to join us? Quickly now! Someone bring a rag to clean
us up!"

Patting Christian on the shoulder, he says to him kindly, "Don't mind them. They
aren't as strong to resist thy provocations as Darrin has been. I must say, I really 
admire Darrin. They," Clavel looks over at Andrew and Methos, "are way too sensitive 
and overprotective of their friend. Though... the sword that ye pulled on Darrin 
today, went quite a bit over the line. I suggest that ye never do such a thing 
again."

Clavel adds with sincerity in his voice, "Don't take offense to their actions, Master 
Christian. The two of ye must be wiser. Please. I'd like that ye both bury the 
hatchet. Sincerely." Clavel looks from one youth to the other.

Andrew listens to Clavel's stern words. His smile disappears. He glances
from Methos to Christian, and then to Clavel again and finally to Darrin.
Then he speaks:"Put away the dagger, friend Methos, he is not worthy." <
Turning to Clavel: > You are...right, Milord ( everyone notes there is
respect and even a little fear in this last word ). I got a little carried
away. I will clean up this mess. 

Andrew humbly bows to Clavel.

Clavel waves his hand. "No, no. No bowing is necessary friend. We have all been a bit
on the edge lately. 'Tis understandable, but we must all remain civilized. 'Twould be
chaotic if we'd all..." Clavel chuckles, "start spilling our food over each other. Even
deadly if we'd try to fork the food off as well." He smiles broadly at all.

Darrin's features go through a variety of phases from anger to an all out
grin at Andrew's actions.  However when Clavel begins to tell the two
of them that they should bury the hatchet, his scowl returns, and the
words, "bury the hatchet are clearly on the tip of his tongue."

Methos continues to smile as he puts away the dag, mumbling under his
breath.  All that can be heard is something about, "...no sense of humor
...I'll bury the hatchet alright..."  He moves to take the place of 
Darrin next to the food and Zeptha.  Darrin grins as he hears his thoughts
so clearly echoed by Methos's tongue.

Christian steps back from Methos, and after taking a deep breath, he
gathers his thoughts and says softly, "You are right Lord Clavel.  I
have unnecessarily been goading your squire.  I would take back all my
foolish actions since the drawing of my sword this afternoon, but since
the deeds will not disappear from the minds of your companions, then
I hope that my sincere apologies and no hard feelings," he pauses as he
swipes some of the mess from his tunic to the ground, "will convince all
of you that I truly meant no harm.  I merely tested the resolve of this
young man, and I am suitably impressed.  I find that we are not so unalike,
and I would call you my friend," he says reaching out his hand to Darrin.
"I have had my fun at your expense and now your companions have evened
the score, at the very least.  Come there is much I could teach you, so
that when you are ready to be a proper squire you will have a better idea
of how to serve so gracious a Lord as you have found."

Darrin's feelings war upon his features as he looks to Clavel and then to
Methos, Andrew and all the rest.  Zeptha hisses at him, "Have you lost
all your sense.  This harper would befriend you, and you hesitate to take
his hand.  You used to hold out your hand to anyone who would call you
friend.  Have you changed so much."

Darrin glares at his cousin, but then he turns and says through gritted
teeth, "I would be glad to listen to any advice you can give me."  He
thrusts out his hand and the shaking of hands is almost a contest as well.

Agrardon speaks up, saying calmly, "Well, boys will be boys.  And I take
it that you Darrin are not much older than my son, here.  He is sixteen
and an only child.  What of you Darrin?  You look very young to be on
this road and the leader of such a precious caravan."

Darrin quickly looks to the older woman, and seeing that she is very
sincere in her questions, he replies, "I am not quite sixteen, and I
inherited this position from my father.  It helps that one's uncle is
the leader of the Merchant's League." 

Eralinad says, "And what of your father?  Has he retired, that one so
young should do this work."  As he speaks, Christian goes to grab a rag
and clean what he can of his riding leathers.  "You seem not the merchant
type, young man."

Darrin replies softly, "My father was attacked and killed over a year
ago.  It was in Waterdeep, and there was a return ... caravan to get home.
I took charge with the help of a good friend, and making it safely, my
uncle has decided I can follow in my father's footsteps.  The merchant
life is all I have known.  I was born just to the North of Yronry, where
we are headed now.  It is this town that I call my place of birth, and
there I was well cared for.  The midwife of this village taught my father
how to care for me and keep me fed, for my mother died at my birthing
and my father was sure that I would not live either."

Agrardon says softly, "But now you no longer wish to be a merchant.  Is
this not so.  I see much tension between you and your sweet cousin, and
I must tell you that she is so worried for you, that today she confided
this very thing to me, a perfect stranger.  But perhaps she felt more
comfortable speaking to another woman of this matter."

Darrin looks guiltily to Zeptha and says softly, "I'm sorry to worry you.
I lost my temper this afternoon with you and that has not helped matters.
I will see that you understand everything when we get to Waterdeep.  There
is much I have not told you, and perhaps later, we can speak privately."

Zeptha whispers, "I will try to listen with more understanding.  Now
please everyone, there is plenty of food here for all."  She takes a plate
and passes it to Darren, and for the first time that day they both
grin a little at each other, reminding everyone of when you met them both
just a couple of days ago.

When Zephta mentions food Andrew looks at her and says: "I will eat after
everyone else finishes, Milady, for now I have a job to do."
Andrew picks up a rag and cleans up Clavel's boots. "I am sorry again Lord
Clavel, but one's patience has limits, you know. If the brat... I mean, the
lad agrees to behave like a true harper there will be no more spilled food,
and no spilled blood. I'll trust you to behave yourself, Master Christian",
he says, continuing to clean up the boots, not looking up.

Surprised to find Andrew cleaning his boots for him, Clavel quickly says to him, 
"Noble Andrew, I asked ye to bring me a rag, that's all. No need to clean my boots for 
me. I can do that myself. Thank ye." He bends over and takes the rag from Andrew's 
hands and pulls him to his feet.

Craelan, standing apart from the scene, watches with a smile of
amusement on his lips. He then eats in silence, and is seen to speak 
with Darrin alone, a little later.

Calador
I saddle my hourse.
I don't care to speak to anyone except zeptha if she should say 
something.  I light my pipe and somke as I leave the group.  Be back 
latter (my only message).  Know i leave the group and i go about half a mile out.  I 
pray for my leg to flesh and bone (almighty DM).  It make life a 
little hard for a solider to limp around.  I tie up my hourse to a 
limb and roll out the blanket.  I sleep.

Methos returns to serving the food, a slight smile on his face as he sees
everyone falling over themselves to apologize to each other.  After the meal
is finished, Methos will entertain with a song from his childhood.  After
the song ends,

         And in the darkest steps of Morder,
         I met a lady so fair
         But Gollum and the evil one
         Came and took her away
         Nothing I can do

         I guess I'll keep on rambling...
 he will look at the elves for their approval.

The elves join in almost as soon as you finish the first line.
          The leaves are falling all around
          It's time I was on my way.....
They seem very delighted to sing such a wonderful song.

Clavel smiles as the elves join in and opens a pouch, pulling out a most
wondrous flute with colorful etchings upon it. He continues with his deep
melodious voice where the elves leave off,

          "...For Winter's around the corner,
          Let's go South where warmer lands lay."

Winking, he puts the instrument to his lips and gracefully weaves life and 
rhythm into the words. Whilst playing, he looks round the fire in search of the 
song's next lines.

Laughing gaily, the elves look at Clavel and Fiowyn comments, "I fear
you have learned this song differently that have we.  But I am sure we
can keep up, once we know the basics."
Uneldur pipes up, "How about you young Master Darrin?  Do you know a
song that we might learn?"
Darrin looks surprised, and somewhat embarrassed as Zeptha gets a
horrified look in her eyes, and says quickly, "No, Darrin.  Do not
sing that stupid song in front of such an august crowd."
"No, please go ahead," the elves both chime together.
"I do not sing very well," Darrin says with a grin, "But here is a verse
that Tag used to sing to me when I was littler."  He clears his throat
and, (to the yo, ho yo, ho pirate turn)

   "Yo ho, Yo ho
    A moose's life for me.

    I stomp the ground,
    I hang around,
    I have all kinds of fun.

    With antler's high,
    Up in the sky,
    There's nothin' can't be done.
  
    Yo ho, Yo ho
    A moose's life for me.

The elves laugh delightedly, and Darrin gives a little bow at the end
of his performance, which includes lifting his hands to his head to
imitate antlers.

Andrew listens to the music. He seems very happy now, with the end of
Christian's bad attitude towards Darrin. His employer appears to be happier
too. He speaks quietly to Methos: "If all this was accomplished by spilling
food  on that brat, it should have been done before". He looks at Zephta and
smiles. "She is a very beautiful lady, it is a pity she will get married soon"

He sighs. After listening to Darrin's song he laughs.

"By Mystra!!!! Does anyone have ale?", he says to the groups with a 
larger than life smile.






Darrin laughs, and says, "Plenty of Tabek's Red coming right up."
"Christian will you aid young Master Darrin please," Eralinad calls out
to his son.  
All eyes turn towards Christian, and he grins disarmingly and says,
"I'll be glad to father.  Where is this ale?  I have never tried Tabek's
Red, though we heard of it in Yronry when we passed through there."
"Tis an excellent brew," says Eralinad with a grin.  "And I thought I
heard Lord Clavel mention it's name.  It is a rare find in the wilderness."
Christian follows Darrin and not a word is spoken between them as they
set about serving everyone.  Darrin makes a point of serving Clavel first
and Christian bowing deeply to Zeptha asks, "Would you care for a taste
yourself, gracious lady?"  Zeptha accepts a small cup and the two youths
make sure everyone is served who wants some of Tabek's finest.

Craelan, after talking to Darrin, seems eager to take his watch.

After Darrin finished his song,Valimar clapped his hand "Well done master 
Darrin,a good tune but the lyric a little strange".Valimar then look at 
Agrardon,"Now that we are enjoying each other company maybe milady can tell us 
a little about herself.You did promise us earlier to tell us about your 
adventure.I for one am eager to listen and i'm sure my companions agree with 
me".Valimar then waits for the Agrardon reaction.

Andrew adds:"Yes, milady, Valimar is right: tell us your story. No, thank
you Darrin, that's enough Tabek's red for me"

When Agradorn finishes her story, using some excuse Andrew will talk to
Clavel and Methos.

Agrardon says, "Yes of course.  We are just checking on things in this
general area as the spring reopens the roads.  We have heard rumors
of orcs and goblins moving in the area.  We think they come from the
east around the High Moors.  We were headed to Daggerford to speak to
Lord Tabek and see if he has heard anything through the winter.  You 
who have passed from the south, have you seen any activity of such
enemies?"

Darrin politely clears his throat and says, "Having passed by 
Dragonspear castle, I can say that the activity of such enemies is
much less than the past couple of years.  And Tabek said that so far
things had been very calm around the area of Daggerford, though he
did warn me to watch the road North of Yronry."

Eralinad nods and says, "Yes, the road ahead is frought with many
dangers, especially to one guarding such precious cargo as the Lady
Zeptha here.  My wife, I think we made the right decision to 
accompany this group to Yronry.  Tabek seems able to handle things
as well as he normally does, and we can put off our visit for a 
couple of days.  Tomorrow, I think we should get permission from Kris
to escort this group all the way to Waterdeep."

Agrardon nods her head solemnly, and then turning to Darrin says, "I'm
not sure this decision makes you happy young master.  But I hope that
once we arrive in Yronry you will see that we are true harpers and 
interested only in your well being." 
 
Darrin looks surprised at her words and quickly stammers, "Milady, 
I... I am more convinced now than earlier on the road as to... your 
good intentions.  I look forward to further proof that you are harpers.
I do not think... that I shall be disappointed."

Eralinad calls out, "Tomorrow comes early, as you well know.  I am
sure you will set your own watch, and each of us shall stand a 
watch as well.  Good night all."

All of the harpers turn in except Fiowyn for the first watch.  They
each bow to Lady Zeptha, and bid everyone a goodnight, though Christian
stops to ask Clavel's permission to stand watch with him.

Watch order      first             second          third           fourth
awake         Craelan, Calador   Andrew, Methos  Clavel,Darrin  Valimar, Darrin
pretending sleep  Andrew            Crealan         Methos         Clavel
Harper            Fiowyn             Uneldur        Christian    Agrardon,Eralinad