Millicent is seated above the salt — the rest below the salt.
M attempts dancing.
The HK gives a long winded political speech — between the lines we can figure out that he is thinking about invading the Irish in retaliation — he talks at length about this and we all manage to stay awake. Beonred hates the Irish and would relish further opportunities for revenge.
Asterius breaks wind — but excuses himself graciously (I however tend to wheeze laugh).
Liam is asked by several ladies whether he would show mercy to a hated foe — he convincingly exercises this virtue and they bless him for it.
Drustin shows off his dancing as the host calls for a dance. Liam is a close second — their rivalry and banter seems well poised to carry on even in knighthood.
The High King asks M about a topic dear to her heart. She talks about the right to rule of the nobility (station critical). Drustin decides to happily talk about lady Ellen and Aurelius makes an obvious mental note. Asterius talks about honour. Liam discusses the rules of hospitality — the HK disagrees vehemently about his interpretations. Beonred comes off as insincere on the same subject.
Drustin discusses folklore with Merlin — He elevator pitches the ancient druidic order and explains that they are not servants of Satan.
Alaric toasts the victorious dead.
Liam goes to flirt with lady Ellen, winking at Drustin.
Beon flirts with Squire Aspara (people say her grandmother was an amazon!).
Drustin moves toward Lady Ellen intending to woo and incensed by Liams provocations. He seems inspired but she simply ignores his approach and continues to talk to Liam. He takes his ale and dejectedly sits back down with ye ole Merlin.
Asterius discusses swordsmanship with some other knights.
Liam tells a story to a wider audience — but it is not that interesting.
Sir Madoc (the legitimized bastard son of Uther Pendragon — Uther is somewhat known for his lecherous ways and has no trueborn sons, Madoc might inherit him) looks at Millicent and asks if she likes the horse. She replies that she does. Any deeper meaning is lost to her — she remains in a state of “unawareness”.
Additional standouts (later feast notes)
Merdwyl asks Drustin if he would be willing to go on a quest — he replies of course, as long as it is not in violation of his oaths. Merlin claims he has an understanding with the house of Pendragon.
Squire Leo asks Liam for advice about attaining knighthood as he himself dreams of being a great knight — Liam generously grants the advice that he should learn to fight well — and to watch out for Sir Drustin!
Uther stands and offers a toast to his brother and offers everyone the chance to give a toast.
M attempts dancing again (held card).
Drustin gives advice on bandit hunting.
The HK discusses passions again.
Liam gets fashion advice from Lady Ellen — Drustin remains de- and rejected. She remains by his side until the host calls a dance (in round 3).
Millicent succeeds at dancing!
Drustin intervenes on behalf of an insulted serving girl.
Asterius defends Lady Rachel (the ox pisser) from an overly amorous knight.
Beon is inspired by his loyalty for Aurelian when telling a story to the high table — despite this, they remain unimpressed.
A new barrel of mead is brought out — Beon drinks himself almost into a stupor (D3), remaining true to his ways. Despite this, he is approached by Sir Ector the brother of Lady Rachel. Ector asks the drunken Beon to entertain Rachel while he himself is called away.
Millicent laughs cruelly at a guest making a faux pas.
Asterius and the drunken Beon sing a drinking song.
Sir Madoc is choking on the walnuts! Millicent acts decisively and heimlichs the bastard Prince. He looks at her with adoration in his eyes and proclaims her his saviour. True to form, she remains oblivious to any deeper meaning.
Drustin is asked whether he’d show mercy to his hated foe Sir Beefy — he actually would! It seems he is earnest as Sir Beefy is well within striking distance while remaining unstruck.
Beon fails to sing to and dance for the Lady Rachel (but he still seems to enjoy himself!).
M finally properly introduces herself to Madoc — he replies by complimenting her teeth (they are great).
D asks Jarran about his injuries — Jarran thanks for his concern. It seems his wounds require a month or two of healing.
A discusses the fashion of the steppes with Aspara — she says (in Greek!) that comfort is important or else one might be restricted in the saddle. A replies that he would prefer the far less comfortable but far more spectacular scale armor of the Imperial Kataphractoi. They both agree on the hope that the smiths of Britannia might one day be skilled enough to match this style of armor.
M keeps talking to Madoc — he isn’t turned off but it is clear that Millicent is quite inexperienced in this arena. Case in point — “the Unaware” is looking like a fitting moniker.
A fails to flirt with Aspara several times, but is not too off-putting.
(Only standouts noted from here)
- A + D gives toasts.
- D shows off his dance skills as the host calls a dance — he makes a good show of himself singing as well.
- B flirts with Rachel, who finally finds him funny! (Pagans appreciate fellow drunks).
- M finds a lyre and accidentally breaks it while trying to play!
- She does manage to courteously introduce herself to Sir Ector.
- D’s clothes accidentally catch on fire — he departs in haste! Not his night.
- L challenges Sir Beefy to a contest of strength — and loses! Sir Beefy’s legend grows.
- As the mead runs out, M and A keep the party going despite this (crit temperate), while Liam is melancholic. Beonred “finds” some mead.
- A crits flirting asking Aspara whether she knows Aspar (the Alanic magister militum, old family foe). It’s actually her uncle. Meaning she herself is Alanic, a tribe belonging to the Sarmatian confederation (their amazonian pedigree is well known to the Greeks).
Winter
Millicent is gifted barding for her warhorse with her coat of arms inlaid in silver. She has no idea who the benefactor might be.
(Author note: I took down far too much text in the beginning of the feast.)