The order is busy with the daily activities of the knights

The Reception Hall of the Chapter House functions as the primary area for all dealing the Knights have. It is a great hall which lacks the ostentatiousness some might expect of a Knightly Order. It is warmed in colder spells by a number of huge fireplaces which are tended to ensure a roaring fire. Scattered informally around the fire places are a number of comfortable, but worn, leather armchairs so guests and Knights may talk at length in comfort. The walls bears a number of paintings and tapestries which appear relatively contemporary. The hall is lit by a number of large chandeliers.
Near the entrance from the Gatehouse is the Master of the Gate who attends to any visitors.

Sir Niall approaches the Master of the Gate and smiles,

"It has been a while, so much has changed while I have been away for the half the year. New Laws, changes in the houses of the elemental planes, more problems with Malnear. It would have been a courtesy if one of my fellow Knights had reciprocated my communiques from Golashkanev."

Sir Niall stretches and grimaces as he rubs his shoulder,

"I would appreciate it if you could gather together any dispatches and documents I should catch up with. I'm going for a soak in a hot bath."

He turns and leaves for his private quarters after accepting several sealed leather message pouches from the Master of the Gate.

Sir Niall leaves the chapter house in fresh clothing, weapons clean, looking more relaxed.

<Tellos looks around as he enters and walks up to the first man-at-arms he spots>

Excuse me, I was looking for the Master of the Gate, can you direct me to him please?

The man-at-arms looks him up and down then speaks quietly,

"He's over there behind the desk."

He points towards an massive ornately carved wooden desk. Behind the desk stands a stocky man wearing a slightly more decorated version of the man-at-arms uniform. The Master of the Gate appears preoccupied sorting through a number of sealed document pouches and scrolls he has pulled from a large leather dispatches case. He grumbles as he accurately throws them into the post holes behind him that are assigned to the knights.

Thank you
<walks over to the Master of the Gate and waits quietly in front of him>

The Master of the Gate mutters to himself,

"...going there...damn..blasted knights...can't stay in one place...."

He sighs, having finished his sorting, he turns and goes to sit back down. It dawns on him that somebody is waiting his gazes travels upwards until he eyeballs the waiting warrior. He glowers, then composes himself and forces a smile before asking,

"What can I do for you sir?"

I'm sorry to disturb you, you are obviously a very busy man.

I was wondering if you could let me know if Squire was available to speak to, Sir Niall said to ask you.

He stares intently before summoning over a man-at-arms. He glares at the man-at-arms,

"Take this warrior, Tellos, if I recall correctly to the private audience hall. Then fetch the Squire to him. You know which one I mean don't you?"

The man-at-arms blanchs under the stern gaze, then nods. The Master of the Gate turns back and addresses Tellos,

"If you follow this man and wait where he takes you. I'll see that refreshments are brought to you. Now..if you'll excuse me I have the daily affairs of numerous knights to sort out."

He dismisses Tellos with a wave and starts grumbling again. The man-at-arms indicates for Tellos to follow.




OOC - PM any request to Squire.

Thank you for your time.

<Follows the waiting man-at-arms>

Sir Niall returns to the Chapter House briefly visiting his private chambers before speaking to the Master of the Gate. Waiting in the reception hall are four men-at-arms clad in gleaming heavy armour bearing all manner of finely honed weapons. Sir Niall greets the Master of the Gate,

"I hope all goes well in my abscence and that you will be kind enough to send on any correspondence that finds it's way here. If the Lady favours me I should see you again."

He turns and leaves the Chapter House accompanied by the men-at-arms who march out smartly after him.

Meiko enters the room, no longer wearing her armour but a plain, light blue kimono over her loose trousers. She looks at the closest person nearby and addresses them.

" The guard at the gate informed that dinner was to be served, have I arrived too late? " She smiles slightly as though unused to doing so.

With a freshly washed face and clean set of hands, Sir Val enters the reception area, catching sight of Meiko.

"Good day to you good Sirs, and to you Meiko. I hope I am not too late for dinner?"

Smiling, and slightly flushed from his quick entrance to the Chapter House, he pauses to take in his surroundings.

A squire greets the nobleman and noblewomen,
"Dinner is served in the dining room and you are lucky that you are just about on time, too much longer and the Squire tends to leave very little to others, he does have a heart appetite. Please proceed and I have been instructed to tell you that Sir Caelwin will meet you after the meal after he has taken care of some business in town."

With a bow, Val replies...

"My thanks good Squire."

He gestures for Meiko to lead on into the Dining Room and take up her place first.

Meiko inclines her head at the squire before moving into the dining room, she smiles slightly at Sir Val's courteous behavior but says nothing merely taking her seat.

"I hope your meal is to your liking their Meiko. Do you have much to prepare before you are able to once again join us on our outing ?"

He pauses slightly before then adding a little bit of an after thought.

"I still have much to learn with my arms skills, I must seek out the Weapons Master once again to continue my teaching."

" I do not have much in the way of preparations to make, I am used to being prepared at all times. I travelled often in the service of my lord. "
She pauses as though a thought had just occured to her. " I would be happy to spar with you Sir Val if the idea is appealing to you, I believe we could learn from each other and any skilled warrior knows there is always something to learn. Do you not agree?"

"Indeed I do, it would be good to spar with yourself. I can always use the experience of fighting various opponents and with a variety of weapons. Thank you."

"I guess preparations are little for me as well, for I have little in the way of things to pack and fewer ties. I should like to finish up the items at the forge though before any journey is undertaken."

" Yes, we Sekerai saprred constantly seeking as much knowledge as we could gain. The more we learned the better able we were to protect our lord. "

She looked at Sir Val curiously. " Where is it you come from? Somewhere far away like myself? You seem unfamiliar with these lands. You do not have to answer if you do not wish to. It is merely curiousity on my part. "

The master-@-arms looks up to see at man in a well worn man@arms uniform carrying a long spear

Hello ive just arrived and im looking for sir Caelwin i was told he would be here

The man at arms turns to the newcomer

"Sir Caelwin is in the tavern but I am sure he will be back soon, dinner has recently been served. If you would care to wait I will call for a squire to attend to you. As a curtesy may I ask that you leave your spear with me and to peace knot any blades. How may I address you sir ?"

Sir Caelwin enters the hall and pours himself a goblet of water and offers another to the gentleman waiting.

"How can I help you ?" he asks.

New new comer wipes an eye and replies

I'm corporal David Galid and yes a squire would be welcome here's my spear and i will make sure i knot my blade

Meiko finishes the last of her meal and looks at Sir Val.

" I am going to return to the reception hall, please enjoy the rest of the meal. I am sure we will talk more later. " She inclines her head and then walks from the dining room into the reception hall.

Val stands slightly from his chair and offers Meiko a bow and a smile. He continues to dine for a little longer, finishing his wonderful meal and goblet of water.

Once finished, he offers his thanks and a parting to those at the table and excuses himself.

Spotting that Sir Caelwin is busy talking to a new guest, Val stands a little back and waits patiently for him.

" Did you enjoy your meal? " Meiko asks Sir Val from where she is standing surveying the room. She too seems inclined to wait until Sir Caelwin is finished with his guest.

"Yes, thank you... are you also awaiting the attention of Sir Caelwin ? It would seem he is much wanted indeed."

"I'm hoping to find the weapon master so that I may acquire some more training, I am in dire need of improving my skills to aid us better in our times of need."

" I have not yet had the chance to speak to Sir Caelwin about certain matters. I have been offered the hospitality of this chapter house but I do not think it right to stay here for a long period of time without giving something in return. I must discuss this with him. But I am in no hurry, I am also merely watching people come and go, I am still trying to learn more about these lands after all. "

"I'm very much in the same situation as yourself. The hospitallity offered here is most appreciated, which reminds me that I must not forget my work at the forge here. I have offered my limited skill with the forge in order to help out where I can, along with my abililty to help with any small injuries. I feel it is the least I can do under the circumstances. Whilst my skill is no match for the likes of Morgrim, another adventurer I recently had the pleasure of meeting, they say practise makes perfect."

He looks away for just a moment, then turns back to Meiko.

"If you so desired, I would be more than happy to show you what I know. It is never too soon to learn how one applies a bandage in times of need."

" I would be grateful if you would teach me, my people have certain issues with being healed magically and I have allowed it because I have to but I would rather increase my own knowledge of more... natural healing methods. "

She grimaced at her last words but quickly forced her expression calm again.
" As for what I can offer in return for this hospitality, I can only offer my fighting skills and any knowledge we Sekerai have on finding enemies weaknesses that differ from the knights own methods. "

"It would be a pleasure to teach you, and a worthy skill to have in times of need. Perhaps we should get together this evening and I can take you through the very basics that I know. The best place to learn more will be either at the Healers guild, or on our next adventure."

"The helping of others is an offer most kind to those who can appreciate its value."

" I am free this evening so I would appreciate anything you can teach me. " She nodded in thanks and then looked around the room.

" Perhaps we should sit and talk, I'm sure Sir Caelwin will have time free to talk later. "

"That sounds like a very good idea, perhaps we should collect a drink on the way out and sit down in the open area, it's still looking a very nice day to be out under the sky."

He looks about searching for some sort of goblet and water jug with which to fill up, and motions to move outside.

" Very well. " Meiko inclined her head in agreement.

Sitting down with his goblet of water, Val begins to describe some of the basic concepts of first aid. Detailing the need to first check the patient for wounds making sure not to move them in case of a seriously broken bones. Then to find the cause of the injuries, be it an open cut, a burn, or something a little more obscured to the eye - poison.

"Remember with the arrow wound, not to pull it out, it could have a barbed head, in which case pushing it through the other side is probably going to be safer."

He ponders a little more...

"Someone once told me about the mind of your patient, if they are might be in shock. Unfortunately I've only dealt with battlefield wounds and there is no time to be out of mind under the presence of your enemy. Bandage them up as best you can, enemies are usually lurking near by and there's always someone else in worse condition."

Showing Meiko some common bandaging techniques and the methods of staunching wounds, making sure the knots are located in the best place so as not to make the patient more uncomfortable. He stands up, puts his goblet down, lays out some bandages to the side and picks up his mace.

"Shall we have a little spar, there's nothing like learning these techniques under a little battlefield stress to make sure they sink in to the mind and body ? We shall spar for a little, as you pass a good strike by my body, you shall bandage the area, that way you can get a feel for the types of combat wound locations you will be dealing with."

Smiling, he takes a small bow towards Meiko and motions her to join him.

"

Meiko looks thoughtful and also a little amused.

" It is a little different to how we spar where I come from but very well. " She readied her short blade as her spear was safe in her rooms.

" I need a little more practice with my spare blade so this will do nicely. "

Sir Caelwin enters, he watches the two warriors as they fight.
"I'm glad you are putting our facilities to use. I too am need of some practice when you have finished. I was very interested in some of your deadly moves with the spear Meiko, perhaps some of those techniques could be adapted for use with sword."

Pausing and looking towards Sir Caelwin...

"I would be honoured if you will join in our practise. If you would be so kind as to allow Meiko to tie this bandage, it would be a pleasure to watch you two spar."

He sits down and raises one knee, pulling a bandage from his kidney pouch and handing it to Meiko.

"Remember, raising the leg above the height of the body prevents the blood being lost from the leg, and allows it to sink back into the working body. Tie the bandage firmly so that it will not slip off, and stems the bleeding well."