Hard Winters Planning/Discussion Thread - Page 14 - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

Galadriel55 · 11-22-2015, 09:30 AM

What court things are still remaining?

littlemanpoet · 11-22-2015, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Firefoot

One option too would be to have lmp just insert remaining court posts where appropriate at the end of one of his current posts when they're ready?

Great idea! I'll do that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Galadriel55

What court things are still remaining?

Elfthain.

Firefoot · 11-22-2015, 08:35 PM

So then Gal if you want to post for Balan, go for it and then we can move along.

Folwren · 11-22-2015, 08:59 PM

FINALLY!

It's all introverted stuff, so actually, it's kinda boring, but at least it shows I'm paying attention. I'll try to be ready to add more when I'm needed.

Firefoot · 11-24-2015, 10:15 AM

Gah, just realized I jumped the gun a bit last night and didn't give Balan a chance to respond... will repost when the court is actually over.

Firefoot · 11-24-2015, 10:18 AM

And deleted just in time for Folwren to respond... oops.

Firefoot · 11-24-2015, 12:49 PM

Well, I'll go ahead and post my response to Folwren since I've written it... we can proceed however makes sense I guess, whether that's just pio reinstating my post or what...

piosenniel · 11-24-2015, 10:06 PM

Soooooo, was that a request to restore that post or move it or??????

Firefoot · 11-24-2015, 10:30 PM

I guess restore it?

Galadriel55 · 11-24-2015, 10:45 PM

Potential solution: I send Balan's response to Elempi tomorrow, and he edits it in at the end of Eodwine's response. Shouldn't be too complicated. Thoughts?

Folwren · 11-25-2015, 08:13 AM

That sounds like a good solution, Gal55.

piosenniel · 11-25-2015, 11:56 AM

Firefoot's post #207 now restored.

Folwren · 11-27-2015, 12:45 PM

I edited the post about Ruari and Eoghan. The ending is the same - they are sitting in the kitchen hoping some lady will take pity on their poor plight and give them some food.

Galadriel55 · 11-27-2015, 03:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Folwren

I edited the post about Ruari and Eoghan. The ending is the same - they are sitting in the kitchen hoping some lady will take pity on their poor plight and give them some food.

My, what a pair of mischief doers!

PS: Balan's response is now edited in. It does not change the story line in any way whatsoever.

Folwren · 11-28-2015, 10:12 PM

I'm sorry if my movement of my characters in and out of the kitchen is throwing anyone off. I gave Ledwyn a task to do, if Gal55 is around to fulfill it.

Legate, where are your characters? Can I involve any of my characters with them? I'd love to get more people involved.

Lommy, are you available to write? I am really curious to see how Wilheard's story develops.

littlemanpoet · 11-29-2015, 07:09 PM

I'm thinking of having the first rain-flood caused emergency - the latrines overflowing. Thoughts?

Firefoot · 11-29-2015, 07:45 PM

Gross.

But seems like a highly probable event...

Galadriel55 · 11-29-2015, 09:11 PM

Hahaha!!! I second Firefoot on the latrines.

On the other hand, though, I feel like that's something JRRT would not have mentioned in a list of water-induced disasters. But then again, this RPG isn't trying to replicate his style perfectly in its other aspects, so it's not necessarily inconsistent.

Foley - Ledwyn's certainly free to do whatever. Just a question to Lommy - is Wilheard awake?

Folwren · 11-30-2015, 05:18 AM

I vote yes. I the other day, I was trying to think of what would be the first indication of trouble.

Legate of Amon Lanc · 12-01-2015, 02:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Folwren

I'm sorry if my movement of my characters in and out of the kitchen is throwing anyone off. I gave Ledwyn a task to do, if Gal55 is around to fulfill it.

Legate, where are your characters? Can I involve any of my characters with them? I'd love to get more people involved.

Lommy, are you available to write? I am really curious to see how Wilheard's story develops.

Huh. Sorry about my absolute awful inactivity lately. Now on top of everything I am traveling back and forth between Helsinki and Prague seeing my family and friends and all... but yes, if you wish to interact with anyone, my characters are available and if you start something, I can certainly pick up from there. It would be good to do a bit of writing again.

I think Lommy had a bit of similar problem, but I'll alert her, I think the situation might have changed.

Folwren · 12-01-2015, 05:25 AM

Awesome! When I get a chance, I'll see what I can do.

Elempi, did you see Searyng speaking to Eodwine?

littlemanpoet · 12-01-2015, 07:55 PM

Thanks for pointing to it. Eodwine has replied.

Folwren · 12-02-2015, 08:47 AM

Twins are so much fun to write. Oh my goodness.

Elempi, everything's in your court right now, so far as my three active characters go.

littlemanpoet · 12-02-2015, 09:21 PM

I think you meant "disappointed" rather than "disappointing" in your last post.

You have a lot of nerve putting my character Eodwine in such a no-win situation.

I'm going to have to think about how Eodwine would think about and handle this situation.

Folwren · 12-03-2015, 06:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

I think you meant "disappointed" rather than "disappointing" in your last post.

I probably did! I wrote that with very little time and only half my mind on the matter. There were at least 2 other typos that I found after posting. Thanks!

Quote:

You have a lot of nerve putting my character Eodwine in such a no-win situation.

Haha! Yup. It's pretty common for this sort of thing to happen with kids, so get used to it.

Firefoot · 12-03-2015, 05:21 PM

I have some fun ideas ready for Ruari's riding lessons...

Folwren · 12-03-2015, 10:25 PM

Elempi, I really did try to think of something else. I considered having her say she'd like to learn to sword fight, but I thought she was yet a bit young for that. If you think not, I will change it to that. But she's got her head stuck on riding right now.

Saeryn COULD step in and rescue him, but...I don't think wives should interfere in such situations.

Mithalwen · 12-04-2015, 10:13 AM

Hi. I am sorry for being MIA, after a bad chest infection earlier in the Autumn, I have been afflicted with a series of illnesses and ailments that have left me very low mentally and physically and RL has claimed what little energy I had to spare. If I were a horse they would have been making soothing noises and reaching for humane killer months ago... but I am no and hopefully getting better. So I will try and catch up and make amends.

Folwren · 12-04-2015, 09:37 PM

Well, it's a good thing you're not a horse then!! Glad you're getting better again. I hope your recovery is swift and easy from here on out.

As you can see, we plunged ahead. I think I sent you the PM you, Elempi, and I had started. Carry on with that as you have time and energy.

Mithalwen · 12-05-2015, 02:30 PM

I have now managed to fall down the stairs (stone cold sober I swear), I seem to really have hacked off the universe, though it could have been a lot worse, coughing hurts even more now .. heigh ho....

Folwren · 12-05-2015, 10:58 PM

Maybe you should go find a hobbit hole to live in. Those don't have stairs.

Firefoot · 12-06-2015, 06:56 PM

Are the latrines going to be overflowing soon? I haven't wanted to start up anything new with my characters interaction-wise if there's going to be action soon...

littlemanpoet · 12-06-2015, 08:44 PM

I was thinking about having the dung pits overflow this Day's afternoon. I've been a bit busy, but we could do that now. "Latrine" is a French word. Kind of like talking in Gondorian.

If you can think of a more apt phrase than "dung pit" I'm fine with it, but we shouldn't have our Eorlingas talk about 'latrines.'

Firefoot · 12-09-2015, 09:25 PM

Will post tomorrow...

Folwren · 12-17-2015, 03:14 PM

After a week so busy I can hardly believe I survived, I have just read the most recent posts and a thought occurred to me.

Elempi, would the kids be included in the 'all able bodied' people joining them out for the work?

littlemanpoet · 12-17-2015, 09:47 PM

Could they be kept away?

I would say yes, they could be included and would be given tasks suited to their abilities.

Folwren · 12-20-2015, 09:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Could they be kept away?

I would say yes, they could be included and would be given tasks suited to their abilities.

Good. I'm already planning wicked things for Ruari.

littlemanpoet · 12-21-2015, 08:04 PM

Ruari.

It's like she's the imp inside Folwren that's been just itching to come out.

Folwren · 12-23-2015, 10:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlemanpoet

Ruari.

It's like she's the imp inside Folwren that's been just itching to come out.

I'm sorry. I read this after I posted my last post. I guess she kind of is.

Sorry about the delay. I'm on Christmas break now and should be able to check daily on this. I'm so excited!

Folwren · 12-27-2015, 02:34 PM

Hi. I wrote a post for Saeryn. It goes before everyone is quite outside. I thought it could go at the end either of Firefoot's post 231, or the end of Gal55's post 232, as it mentions what happens in that post. Pio, could you put it after one of those?

Thanks!

Firefoot, I put some words and actions into Cerwyn's mouth. If you need something changed, let me know.

--

Saeryn

Saeryn turned from Eodwine to go find Cerwyn who met her halfway across the hall. “I would gladly take your offer of something to eat now,” the girl said.

Searyn nodded and smiled. “I thought you would be hungry after a journey like that! Rain and mud takes it out of a body. The kitchen is this way.” She led her towards the kitchen as she spoke. She saw Eodwine speaking with Garreth, and she took a second glance when she saw Eodwine’s face wrinkled in disgust and displeasure. I wonder what is amiss, she mused inwardly just before pushing open the kitchen door.

“Rowenna, Frodides, Kara,” she said, entering. “Meet Cerwyn, Léof’s sister. She will be staying with us for a while.”

The women accepted Cerwyn into their midst and as they carried on conversation, Saeryn cut her some bread. She looked into the pots boiling over the fire. A thick healthy steam rose out of the first one she opened. She reached for a spoon and fished out some of the vegetables. They were not boiled to perfect softness yet, but they would be enough to tide Cerwyn over until the evening meal.

“I am sorry we have nothing better yet,” she said as she laid the bowl on the table. “Tonight we shall have a fine spread.”

Ledwyn entered the kitchen as Cerwyn sat down. “How is Wilheard?” Saeryn asked.

“He was asleep. I left him some brewed herbs,” Ledwyn replied, quietly.

“Thank you.” Saeryn looked away, but she watched her covertly as she walked across to the washtub and resumed her work of washing the remaining pots and utensils from the noon meal. Saeryn knew Ledwyn still grieved for her boy’s loss, but Saeryn did not know how to comfort her or what to say. She felt, sometimes, that the presence of her two, healthy children must be a bitter reminder to Ledwyn of her own child. Saeryn’s heart ached for the woman, but she did not dare try to express it.

Léof’s whistle from the hall interrupted her thoughts. She lifted her head towards it. She remembered Garreth speaking to Eodwine, and Eodwine’s grimace. She sighed. Something was wrong. “We’d better go out,” she said. “Stay here and finish up,” she told Cerwyn, laying her hand on her shoulder as she passed. “If it concerns you, I will let you know.”
She came back a moment later, her lips pursed in thought. “We have work outside,” she said in answer to Cerwyn’s questioning look. “The dung pits have over flowed.”

“May I be of service?” Cerwyn asked, rising.

Saeryn shook her head. “No. Stay here. You are tired and worn and have had more than your share of wet and mud today. If you are not too weary, you can see after our supper.”

11-22-2015, 09:30 AM	#521
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,377	What court things are still remaining? __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

11-22-2015, 08:59 PM	#524
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	FINALLY! It's all introverted stuff, so actually, it's kinda boring, but at least it shows I'm paying attention. I'll try to be ready to add more when I'm needed. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

11-24-2015, 10:06 PM	#528
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Soooooo, was that a request to restore that post or move it or?????? __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

11-24-2015, 10:45 PM	#530
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,377	Potential solution: I send Balan's response to Elempi tomorrow, and he edits it in at the end of Eodwine's response. Shouldn't be too complicated. Thoughts? __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

11-25-2015, 08:13 AM	#531
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	That sounds like a good solution, Gal55. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

11-22-2015, 08:35 PM	#523
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	So then Gal if you want to post for Balan, go for it and then we can move along.

11-24-2015, 10:15 AM	#525
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	Gah, just realized I jumped the gun a bit last night and didn't give Balan a chance to respond... will repost when the court is actually over.

11-24-2015, 10:18 AM	#526
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	And deleted just in time for Folwren to respond... oops.

11-24-2015, 12:49 PM	#527
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	Well, I'll go ahead and post my response to Folwren since I've written it... we can proceed however makes sense I guess, whether that's just pio reinstating my post or what...

11-24-2015, 10:30 PM	#529
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	I guess restore it?

11-25-2015, 11:56 AM	#532
piosenniel Desultory Dwimmerlaik Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Pickin' flowers with Bill the Cat..... Posts: 7,779	Firefoot's post #207 now restored. __________________ Eldest, that’s what I am . . . I knew the dark under the stars when it was fearless - before the Dark Lord came from Outside.

11-27-2015, 12:45 PM	#533
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	I edited the post about Ruari and Eoghan. The ending is the same - they are sitting in the kitchen hoping some lady will take pity on their poor plight and give them some food. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

11-28-2015, 10:12 PM	#535
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	I'm sorry if my movement of my characters in and out of the kitchen is throwing anyone off. I gave Ledwyn a task to do, if Gal55 is around to fulfill it. Legate, where are your characters? Can I involve any of my characters with them? I'd love to get more people involved. Lommy, are you available to write? I am really curious to see how Wilheard's story develops. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

11-29-2015, 07:09 PM	#536
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	I'm thinking of having the first rain-flood caused emergency - the latrines overflowing. Thoughts?

11-29-2015, 07:45 PM	#537
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	Gross. But seems like a highly probable event...

11-29-2015, 09:11 PM	#538
Galadriel55 Blossom of Dwimordene Join Date: Oct 2010 Location: The realm of forgotten words Posts: 10,377	Hahaha!!! I second Firefoot on the latrines. On the other hand, though, I feel like that's something JRRT would not have mentioned in a list of water-induced disasters. But then again, this RPG isn't trying to replicate his style perfectly in its other aspects, so it's not necessarily inconsistent. Foley - Ledwyn's certainly free to do whatever. Just a question to Lommy - is Wilheard awake? __________________ You passed from under darkened dome, you enter now the secret land. - Take me to Finrod's fabled home!... ~ Finrod: The Rock Opera

11-30-2015, 05:18 AM	#539
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	I vote yes. I the other day, I was trying to think of what would be the first indication of trouble. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

12-01-2015, 05:25 AM	#541
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Awesome! When I get a chance, I'll see what I can do. Elempi, did you see Searyng speaking to Eodwine? __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

12-01-2015, 07:55 PM	#542
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Thanks for pointing to it. Eodwine has replied.

12-02-2015, 08:47 AM	#543
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Twins are so much fun to write. Oh my goodness. Elempi, everything's in your court right now, so far as my three active characters go. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

12-02-2015, 09:21 PM	#544
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	I think you meant "disappointed" rather than "disappointing" in your last post. You have a lot of nerve putting my character Eodwine in such a no-win situation. I'm going to have to think about how Eodwine would think about and handle this situation.

12-03-2015, 05:21 PM	#546
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	I have some fun ideas ready for Ruari's riding lessons...

12-03-2015, 10:25 PM	#547
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Elempi, I really did try to think of something else. I considered having her say she'd like to learn to sword fight, but I thought she was yet a bit young for that. If you think not, I will change it to that. But she's got her head stuck on riding right now. Saeryn COULD step in and rescue him, but...I don't think wives should interfere in such situations. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

12-04-2015, 10:13 AM	#548
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	Hi. I am sorry for being MIA, after a bad chest infection earlier in the Autumn, I have been afflicted with a series of illnesses and ailments that have left me very low mentally and physically and RL has claimed what little energy I had to spare. If I were a horse they would have been making soothing noises and reaching for humane killer months ago... but I am no and hopefully getting better. So I will try and catch up and make amends. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

12-04-2015, 09:37 PM	#549
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Well, it's a good thing you're not a horse then!! Glad you're getting better again. I hope your recovery is swift and easy from here on out. As you can see, we plunged ahead. I think I sent you the PM you, Elempi, and I had started. Carry on with that as you have time and energy. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

12-05-2015, 02:30 PM	#550
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,455	I have now managed to fall down the stairs (stone cold sober I swear), I seem to really have hacked off the universe, though it could have been a lot worse, coughing hurts even more now .. heigh ho.... __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

12-05-2015, 10:58 PM	#551
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Maybe you should go find a hobbit hole to live in. Those don't have stairs. __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

12-06-2015, 06:56 PM	#552
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	Are the latrines going to be overflowing soon? I haven't wanted to start up anything new with my characters interaction-wise if there's going to be action soon...

12-06-2015, 08:44 PM	#553
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	I was thinking about having the dung pits overflow this Day's afternoon. I've been a bit busy, but we could do that now. "Latrine" is a French word. Kind of like talking in Gondorian. If you can think of a more apt phrase than "dung pit" I'm fine with it, but we shouldn't have our Eorlingas talk about 'latrines.'

12-09-2015, 09:25 PM	#554
Firefoot Illusionary Holbytla Join Date: Dec 2003 Posts: 7,547	Will post tomorrow...

12-17-2015, 03:14 PM	#555
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	After a week so busy I can hardly believe I survived, I have just read the most recent posts and a thought occurred to me. Elempi, would the kids be included in the 'all able bodied' people joining them out for the work? __________________ A young man who wishes to remain a sound atheist cannot be too careful of his reading. - C.S. Lewis

12-17-2015, 09:47 PM	#556
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Could they be kept away? I would say yes, they could be included and would be given tasks suited to their abilities.

12-21-2015, 08:04 PM	#558
littlemanpoet Itinerant Songster Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: The Edge of Faerie Posts: 7,066	Ruari. It's like she's the imp inside Folwren that's been just itching to come out.

12-27-2015, 02:34 PM	#560
Folwren Messenger of Hope Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: In a tiny, insignificant little town in one of the many States. Posts: 5,076	Hi. I wrote a post for Saeryn. It goes before everyone is quite outside. I thought it could go at the end either of Firefoot's post 231, or the end of Gal55's post 232, as it mentions what happens in that post. Pio, could you put it after one of those? Thanks! Firefoot, I put some words and actions into Cerwyn's mouth. If you need something changed, let me know. -- Saeryn Saeryn turned from Eodwine to go find Cerwyn who met her halfway across the hall. “I would gladly take your offer of something to eat now,” the girl said. Searyn nodded and smiled. “I thought you would be hungry after a journey like that! Rain and mud takes it out of a body. The kitchen is this way.” She led her towards the kitchen as she spoke. She saw Eodwine speaking with Garreth, and she took a second glance when she saw Eodwine’s face wrinkled in disgust and displeasure. I wonder what is amiss, she mused inwardly just before pushing open the kitchen door. “Rowenna, Frodides, Kara,” she said, entering. “Meet Cerwyn, Léof’s sister. She will be staying with us for a while.” The women accepted Cerwyn into their midst and as they carried on conversation, Saeryn cut her some bread. She looked into the pots boiling over the fire. A thick healthy steam rose out of the first one she opened. She reached for a spoon and fished out some of the vegetables. They were not boiled to perfect softness yet, but they would be enough to tide Cerwyn over until the evening meal. “I am sorry we have nothing better yet,” she said as she laid the bowl on the table. “Tonight we shall have a fine spread.” Ledwyn entered the kitchen as Cerwyn sat down. “How is Wilheard?” Saeryn asked. “He was asleep. I left him some brewed herbs,” Ledwyn replied, quietly. “Thank you.” Saeryn looked away, but she watched her covertly as she walked across to the washtub and resumed her work of washing the remaining pots and utensils from the noon meal. Saeryn knew Ledwyn still grieved for her boy’s loss, but Saeryn did not know how to comfort her or what to say. She felt, sometimes, that the presence of her two, healthy children must be a bitter reminder to Ledwyn of her own child. Saeryn’s heart ached for the woman, but she did not dare try to express it. Léof’s whistle from the hall interrupted her thoughts. She lifted her head towards it. She remembered Garreth speaking to Eodwine, and Eodwine’s grimace. She sighed. Something was wrong. “We’d better go out,” she said. “Stay here and finish up,” she told Cerwyn, laying her hand on her shoulder as she passed. “If it concerns you, I will let you know.” She came back a moment later, her lips pursed in thought. “We have work outside,” she said in answer to Cerwyn’s questioning look. “The dung pits have over flowed.” “May I be of service?” Cerwyn asked, rising. Saeryn shook her head. “No. Stay here. You are tired and worn and have had more than your share of wet and mud today. If you are not too weary, you can see after our supper.”