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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 6, 2017 9:19:36 GMT -8
 Castle RollinThe Rollin family is an ancient and wealthy house, building its fortune on sea trade and imported ivory. The castle reflects this, the tower painted a brilliant, shining white to represent the ivory tusks that funded it. |
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62 
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
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Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 6, 2017 10:19:54 GMT -8
It took Echo just over two days to finally reach Castle Rollin. The brown mare he rode was fast, and was in excellent condition despite the previous issues with injury, and the sun was just past midday when Nadir the hummingbird chirped happily into his ear to inform him they had finally arrived.
Echo turned his face to the castle, the green jewel on his pendant brightening as he regarded the distant scene. The brooch allowed him to read writings and view distant sights, but it only afforded him a tiny view into the world, as if he'd looked through the lens of a tiny telescope. It took him a short while to sweep this internal eye over the vista ahead, and take in the magnificence of the castle.
He'd seen Zenith only once since setting out, the barn owl finally deciding to visit him the previous night as he'd made a short camp to rest his horse and get an hour or two of sleep. He'd advised the owl of what was happening, but if it thought anything of it, it didn't show any outward signs of it, and had headed off to hunt shortly after.
Nadir buzzed off ahead, sounding the way for Echo who nudged his horse forward to the gatehouse of the castle. Once arrived, he dropped out of the saddle wearily, his riding muscles screaming as he stepped toward the gate and attempted to alert a guard to his presence.
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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 6, 2017 10:31:46 GMT -8
In stark contrast to Castle Robynson, Castle Rollin was fully manned with a collection of guards in shiny armor. A pair of spearmen stood in front of the gate, and several more patrolled the wall above it. As he approached, the spearmen spotted him.
"What brings you to Castle Rollin, traveler? What business do you have here?"
Above, the guards on the wall stopped their patrol and watched Echo suspiciously, readying crossbows. With his unique sense of perception, Echo might spot a third guardhouse concealed in the trees and rocks a little ways from the path. The Rollin family took their security seriously, it seemed.
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
---
Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 6, 2017 10:49:07 GMT -8
"Greetings friends!" Echo waved casually and smiled to the men, attempting to reduce any friction and avoid any sudden movements that may end up with a quarrel being fired his way.
"I am on urgent business for Lord Robynson, and I bear upon my person messages for Lord Rollin and Lord Iric." He gestured to the pocket of his jacket, though avoided attempting to reach inside. "I have been sent to deliver these messages and discuss their content with the good Lords of the castle."
Nadir retreated to Echo's shoulder, the hummingbird seemingly humbled by the House Rollin forces.
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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 6, 2017 11:04:59 GMT -8
The guards muttered among themselves for a moment, before looking back up at Echo. One of them banged on the gate, and it opened up without so much as a creak. House Rollin kept their gates well oiled and maintained, apparently. Once the gate was fully opened, two more guards stepped through and walked over to Echo.
"We'll take you inside, sir. Please hand over any weapons or sharp objects you may have. Also, if you've got any horseradish, please leave that outside as well. Lord Rollin can't stand horseradish, and refuses to allow it into the keep. You're here on Lord Robynson's business, you say? What business would that be? Right this way, sir."
Once he'd handed over any contraband he might have had, the guards led him in to the castle's great hall. A grey-haired man in a finely-crafted suit walked up to Echo, leaning heavily on an ivory-tipped cane.
"Welcome to Castle Rollin, stranger. I'm Lord Rollin. What brings you here? I understand that you're on Lord Robynson's business."
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
---
Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 6, 2017 11:22:50 GMT -8
Echo reached to his back, and removed the small utility blade that was sheathed at the belt. It was a small utility knife, and held neither monetary or sentimental value, so he had no qualms in handing it to the guard. He paused at the mention of horseradish, taking a moment to even understand the question. "Er....no, no horseradish."
He decided that Radish would make a good name for his horse, and he slapped the neck of the mare in a good-natured congratulations to having earned her name. She whinnied happily, seemingly having taken a shine to the blind former noble. Suitably securing the horse's reins, he followed the guard to the great hall.
He bowed deeply as he met Lord Rollin, Nadir hovering in front of him to get a better look at the man. "Greetings Lord Rollin, indeed." He reached into his breast pocket and passed him his letter, as well as the small picture that Lord Robynson had provided. "He asked me to deliver these messages to you and your son."
Not wanting to preempt the contents of the letter, he remained silent, giving the Lord chance to digest the words for himself. "Is your son, Lord Iric, around my Lord? I have his copy of the letter here."
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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 6, 2017 11:38:51 GMT -8
Lord Rollin took the letter, breaking the seal and reading it closely. As he read through the letter, his eyes became wider and wider, looking for all the world like silver coins by the time he was done. He stuffed the letter into his pocket, chuckling softly to himself. The guards watched him nervously, wondering what the letter could possibly contain. Grinning, Lord Rollin turned back to Echo.
"This is excellent! Bringing the two houses together will strengthen both, and marriage will do my boy some good. He just gets into too much mischief as it is, maybe this will teach him some responsibility. Besides, he mentioned a generous dowry...yes, this sounds excellent. I'll begin arrangements at once."
He pulled out a piece of paper and began writing a reply, pausing every few moments to scratch out a sentence and start over again. Soon, the paper was covered in more black scratch marks than actual writing, but the lord carried on. After a moment, he glanced back up at Echo.
"Oh, you said you had one for Iric as well? He should be in the gardens, I think. Go on and find him. You two, go with him."
The guards nodded and headed towards the door, gesturing for Echo to follow along. They led him out of the keep and into a vast garden, full of brilliantly colored flowers from around the world. Some of the flowers moved as they approached, slowly turning towards the newcomer as he walked through the garden. Eventually, they heard movement and a soft murmur from behind a tall hedge. The murmur stopped, and they heard a man's whisper.
"Someone's coming. Go, run away."
Hurried footsteps could be heard running away from the hedge. As they rounded the corner, they'd spot a young man adjusting his collar and wiping something that looked suspiciously like lipstick off his face. He looked up at the guards, grinning sheepishly.
"Er...hello. Can I help you?"
The guards were not amused.
"This man has a letter for you, Iric."
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
---
Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 6, 2017 11:52:51 GMT -8
Gladdened by the old Lord's reaction to the letter, Echo happily followed the guards to the garden, keen to hand over his letter and be done with his work here. Once in the garden, Nadir seemed to take great interest in the moving flowers, and experimented by circling them from a short distance to see if he could trigger a response.
As they happened upon the young Lord, seemingly caught in something of a compromising position, Echo's heart sank. He had known this was going too well. If the young Lord was engaged in ill-advised trysts with an unknown lover, the marriage plans were likely to be aught but easy.
He bowed. "Greetings my Lord." As he spoke, he handed the younger Rollin the message, and once again stood back to give him time to read it's contents. "I am happy to say your father seems delighted with the idea."
Echo prepared himself for fervent protests from young Lord Iric.
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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 6, 2017 12:02:19 GMT -8
Iric broke the wax seal and read through the letter, face turning white as he finished. Hands shaking, he crumpled up the letter and shoved it into his pocket. He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. When he glanced back up at Echo and spoke, his voice trembled.
"F-father agreed to this? So soon? Why? I-I've never even met this Lady Lucette before. I'm perfectly happy with my life here, I can't get married. Especially to someone I don't even know. What if she's ugly? What if she's just a kid, if she's old? I don't think I could handle any of that. Married life wouldn't suit me, no sir. Who's idea was this? Why me? Is Father so displeased with me that he's shackling me to this Lucette? Where is he, I have to speak to him...no, it's no use. If he really was as delighted as you say, there'll be no dissuading him. I can't get married though, not now..."
All of a sudden, he turned and ran, leaping over a low shrub with surprising agility. The guards took off after him, shouting at the young lord to stop and be sensible.
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
---
Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 6, 2017 12:24:04 GMT -8
Echo shrugged as he contemplated Iric fleeing from the scene. Given chance, he may have tried to reason with the young man, and assure him that he would be marrying a sweet beauty. He couldn't hide a smile as he wondered if he would have been a good enough liar to convince the poor young noble of it.
Beckoning for Nadir to follow, he would retrace his steps back to the great hall and hope to find Lord Rollin still present. Assuming he was, Echo would have little choice but to explain the apparent reticence of his son to marry.
"Maybe he will calm down once he sees a picture of her. I'm sure he'll do his duty." This last part was a statement, but Echo couldn't stop himself phrasing it as a question.
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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 6, 2017 12:29:18 GMT -8
As Echo headed back towards the castle, there was a thump from behind him as the guards pounced on Iric and pinned him to the ground. The two burly men lifted him to his feet and marched him back towards the hall, holding the struggling young lord's hands behind his back.
"I won't! I don't want to get married! I won't marry her, no matter what you say!"
He continued to protest as the guards dragged him back to the great hall, entering just a few moments after Echo. Lord Rollin looked up at the commotion, sighing and rubbing his head. His hands were almost completely covered in ink, and the letter was a mess of black scratches and corrections.
"Ah...I see you've met my son, Iric. I take it he wasn't as enthusiastic about the idea as I am."
"I'm never marrying her, Father! I don't even know her!"
The guards, not amused, shoved him down into a chair before his father. They each held a hand on his shoulder, effectively pinning him down in his seat.
"He tried to run, sir."
Lord Rollin sighed.
"Er...stranger, I don't believe I ever got your name. Do you know anything about this Lady Lucette, so that my son may calm down a bit?"
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
---
Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 6, 2017 13:10:04 GMT -8
"Apologies my Lord, my name is Echo Swansong." He'd been in such a rush to get things done, he'd completely forgotten to introduce himself properly. "Lady Lucette is a rare beauty my Lord, she is bright and intelligent, her family holds considerable wealth, and she is of true and noble heritage." None of it was strictly inaccurate, but he held back any comments about her being vengeful, violent and sly, and possibly being responsible for poisoning members of her family.
"Her father is very keen for her to marry someone such as yourself, my Lord, and I believe he offers a considerable dowry." This was more for Rollin's sake than Iric's, but he thought he may as well try and get both on-side.
Nadir tried to help the situation by hovering in front of the young Lord, some distraction possibly helping to calm the young man down.
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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 6, 2017 13:27:57 GMT -8
The young man grumbled and struggled against his guards, but they kept him pinned down in his seat. Lord Rollin groaned, watching the boy's struggles with the bored disinterest of one who had seen this happen far too many times.
"See? She's attractive and smart. I hold the Robynson family in high regard, as well. You will get married, Iric. You're getting married no matter what, even if we have to shackle you to the altar during the ceremony. Understand? This is for the good of the family."
Iric, having no luck escaping the pressure of the two guards, gave up and slumped over in his seat. He let out a defeated sigh.
"I won't. I'm not marrying her, no matter what you say. I love another."
Lord Rollin sighed.
"Another, eh? Which one is it, then? Elise? Violetta? Yvonne? There are so many, I can't keep them straight..."
Iric sat upright again, outraged.
"Don't tease me, Father! You don't know my life! This is different this time, not like the others! It's real! I'll run away with her, I have to spend the rest of my l-"
The guard clapped a hand over his mouth, and Lord Rollin groaned. He handed Echo a very neat, careful letter that looked nothing like the ink-spotted draft he'd been writing earlier.
"Give this to Lord Robynson, Mr. Swansong. Tell him that we accept the offer, and Iric simply can't wait to meet his bride. I look forward to a new union between our houses. We'll host the wedding, of course. Would you like to stay for a while, though? You've traveled a long way, and it's a long ride back. Perhaps a room for the night, and a hot meal?"
Turning to the guards, he added:
"Take Iric to his room, and make sure he doesn't run off or do anything stupid."
The guards nodded, lifting the squirming young man up and carrying him off like a sack of potatoes.
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
---
Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 7, 2017 1:28:38 GMT -8
Echo listened as the young Lord was removed, before turning to Rollin himself. "My Lord, a roof for the night and some cooked food would be welcome indeed." His legs and rear still ached from the long ride. He'd been quite the horseman in his youth, but he hadn't ridden a horse in years, and his body was keen to highlight this fact.
Nadir perked up at the talk of a meal, and hovered excitedly in front of the elder Rollin, keen to sample the sweet delights of the Lord's kitchens.
Tucking the letter in his jacket, Echo considered the younger Lord's words, and what it might take to join Lucette and Iric in marriage. As he waited for guidance from Lord Rollin as to where to go for food and lodgings, he pondered the problem, and couldn't help enquiring of the Lord as to his thoughts. "The young Lord seems smitten on another My Lord. Do you think he will go through with the ceremony? I fear he wouldn't be the first young nobleman to defy his father's wishes if he were to try and avoid an arranged marriage."
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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 7, 2017 8:36:13 GMT -8
Lord Rollin took a deep breath, siting down heavily on a couch. He pulled a pipe from his pocket and lit it, puffing quietly for a moment before answering.
"He'll do as I say. That boy will get married to Lucette Robynson if it's the last thing I do. It'll do him some good, you know. Teach him that he can't just run around with the maids and village girls, as he's been doing. I fear that he's rather irresponsible and emotional as it is..."
He sighed.
"I'll make sure he goes through with the ceremony. Hmmm...I should probably tell his mother about this, shouldn't I? Eh...I'll tell her at dinner. That'll be in about twenty minutes, anyway. Why don't you take the time to wash up? There's a hot bath in the basement of the keep. You'll eat dinner with us, in our private quarters. It's only fair, as bearer of such excellent news. The guards will show you the way."
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
---
Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 7, 2017 8:59:12 GMT -8
Echo thanked the Lord, bowed, and prompted a guard to lead the way to the basement. Nadir didn't seem too keen to leave, but a loud click from Echo convinced him, and he scooted ahead of the guard, seemingly impatient with the delays.
He found the aforementioned bath, and was shortly soaking his tired limbs. He wished he'd had more than twenty minutes then, as his muscles finally began to relax, but it seemed like he'd just gotten in when he deemed it time to get out, else be late for Lord and Lady Rollin. Nadir had found a small puddle of water beside the bath, and had taken the chance to rid himself of the dust from the road, rolling in it happily before flapping his wings and shaking his feathers to rid himself of the moisture.
Drying himself, Echo felt better than he had in days, and was quickly dressed and prompting the guard to show him to the quarters in time for dinner, a refreshed Nadir following him closely.
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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 7, 2017 9:16:16 GMT -8
The guard led Echo up the stairs to a small dining room. Unlike the grand hall of Castle Robynson, the Rollin family ate together in a cozy room at a small table. Four seats were set out, presumably for the three Rollins and Echo. Lord Rollin arrived, with a chubby, smiling woman in tow. They sat down across from each other, gesturing for Echo to have a seat. A moment later, a decidedly unhappy-looking Iric was marched in by the guards. He sat down in his seat and sulked, not making eye contact with anyone at the table. Lord Rollin, ignoring his son's mood, turned to his wife.
"Dear, this man is Echo Swansong. He has some wonderful news for us, concerning our boy. Mr. Swansong, if you'd illuminate her, please?"
From his chair, Iric muttered something about "not that wonderful" under his breath.
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
---
Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 7, 2017 9:47:17 GMT -8
Echo bowed to Lord and Lady Rollin, and took his seat. "Greetings Lady Rollin. Lord Robynson has sent me with a marriage proposal, and has suggested the matching of his daughter, Lady Lucette, with your son, Lord Iric."
He considered the youngest Rollin for a moment, his sulks and mumbles further highlighting his dissatisfaction with the offer. "He will of course include a considerable dowry should you and your husband agree to it." He couldn't help but feel sorry for the young Lord's complete lack of a say in the matter, but if it proved successful, he wouldn't lose any sleep over it. Marrying for politics was how nobles did things after all.
Nadir hovered over to Lady Rollin, considering the plump noblewoman with interest. He seemed to take great effort in striking a variety of his best poses, obviously keen to make a good impression on the woman. Echo knew the hummingbird well enough, and suspected he felt the lady's size and seemingly good nature might prove a valuable ally in his pursuit of sweet treats. "This is my friend Nadir. I apologise for his forwardness, but it seems he has taken quite a shine to you."
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Post by Strangers and Travelers on Jul 7, 2017 14:43:58 GMT -8
Lady Rollin gasped, eyes lighting up when Echo mentioned marriage for her son. She clasped her hands together, beaming and turning to her husband.
"Marriage? That's wonderful! Oh, this is excellent news. I can't wait! I've met the Robynsons, they're lovely people. Their girl Lucette is just so sweet, too. Iric, how do you- oh."
She turned to her son, suddenly realizing why he was so sulky. Sighing, she patted him on the shoulder.
"There there, Iric. I'm sure it'll be alright. Lucette is a lovely girl, I'm sure you two will get along just fine. Besides, marriage will suit you. Perhaps you'll...settle down a bit. Be a bit less rambunctious. Bother the village girls less."
At the final comment, Iric abruptly shoved his seat back from the table. Getting up, he stormed from the room. Lady Rollin sighed, and her husband patted her hand.
"He's been like this ever since he heard the news. Tried to make a run for it, according to the guards. He'll come around soon enough, dear. Don't worry about it."
The attention of the hummingbird seemed to cheer Lady Rollin up a bit, and she smiled at it.
"Nadir, you say? I've always loved birds, and he's certainly a pretty one."
The food arrived, a selection of roasted rabbits and vegetable broth with fresh bread still warm from the oven. The servants passed out the food quickly, starting with Lord Rollin and ending with Echo. There was no shuffling like with the Robynsons, and they didn't seem to question the absence of Iric.
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Echo Swansong
Committed
Roleplay posts: 62
Age: 32
Physical Description: Echo wears a heavy fabric covering over his eyes, and his hair and beard are unkempt. A small hummingbird can usually be found sitting on his shoulder.
---
Clothes and Equipment: While his clothes look like those of a wealthy noble, they are in poor condition and show signs of heavy wear. A green bejewelled brooch is pinned to his chest.
Registered: Jul 3, 2017 4:33:59 GMT -8
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Post by Echo Swansong on Jul 7, 2017 15:22:32 GMT -8
Echo waited for the Lord and Lady to start eating before he began tucking into the broth, tearing off a chunk of bread and dipping it into the rich stew. It was a well cooked and tasty meal, and Echo realised how hungry he was, moving for some rabbit after he had finished the broth, having cleaned the bowl with another chunk of the warm bread.
The former noble contemplated that maybe the young Lord's desire for someone else may not be such a bad thing. He knew Lucette well enough to know that they wouldn't have a loving relationship, so having a maid or other commoner to keep him company in private may not be so terrible. He didn't dare raise the point at the table though, considering it too uncouth for such company, but he deemed he would mention it if he ever got Iric alone.
Smiling, he motioned at the hummingbird who was trying to keep a respectable distance from the highborn couple. "You may like him now, but I fear he may steal your dessert given half a chance. He has a penchant for the sweeter things in life, so I feel it only fair to warn you in advance." Nadir wouldn't forgive him if he didn't at least try and help him obtain a helping of dessert, but the oblique reference to his sweet tooth was the best he would get from him today.
As he finished off the rabbit, he offered his praise to the cook, before sitting back in his chair. "Do you have an idea how long it would take to prepare the marriage? Can we expect a long engagement?" He was keen to keep this moving as fast as possible, and he was sure that Lord Robynson would agree. The more solid of a plan they could hash out now, the quicker they might achieve the marriage, and resolve the issues of House Robynson.
Echo hoped that all of this would eventually be worth it, for he had no idea what reward Lord Robynson might offer him for the successful completion of his mission.
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