All the roads run to the towns, so to get to the road on the east side of Turnacum, without being in sight of Turnacum, it is necessary to head off road.

The land here is soft and earthy.  Riordeg knows what that means to cavalry:  dense, heavy horse formations can quickly turn ground into a sea of mud!  The usual practice is to keep formations loose- and that is what the Centaurs do naturally.  They cross meadows and streams, and the lines of tangled brush and shrubs that separate the fields, staying well dispersed, but all within sight of Eadoin and the banner carriers.

The roads here are very visible from a distance.  The Romans built them raised up, so that water would drain off.  Each road is at least a few feet up above the surrounding countryside.  As the Centaurs approach, there is a fleeting blur of small movement in a line of brambles ahead.  A tiny body and iridescent wings… a fairy?

And then, Cirrus is coming back, riding fast, and overtaking the group.

She calls out for Eadoin as she approaches, and she looks much more concerned, and much less excited, than she did before.

About the Hybsils, Eadoin adds, "They're shy folk, but friendly.  Very good at growing things, even out of season.  It's part of their nature, I think.  Anyhow, 'tween them and my folks, I guess we ought to do pretty well."  He considers a while, plucking a blade of long grass and actually chewing on the stem, something Rita's not seen him do in some time.  Eventually, he continues, gesturing a little.  "I was hoping to get a grain nymph or even orchard nymph to come, maybe.  That takes a well-loved farm, though.  It wasn't something I've had time to do, not with trotting all over Gaul.  Apple Blossom, though, she could likely do a farm as well as she does her garden."  With a smirk, he adds, "She could make a stack of rocks turn enough food to feed a whole family."

When Rita mentions advising Apple Blossom about her work ethic, even playfully, he momentarily blanches.  A moment later, the young Centaur smirks, his tail awhisk.  "Mayhap I ought to tell her to relax a little, too."  He shakes his head, then chews on his stem a bit more.  He glances at Riordeg momentarily, then continues, "I'd sooner try to keep the tide from coming in."  Without looking directly at Rita, his eyes laughing merrily, "Maybe you can tell her."

While Rita and Riordeg banter back and forth, Eadoin walks alongside in companionable silence.  When the conversation turns back to him about getting ahead of things, he doesn't miss a beat, but replies without looking directly at either of them, "Well, you'll have to invite me to the wedding and dedication of your firstborn."  With clear amusement, he adds, "It's Apple Blossom, you see.  She wouldn't have it any other way."

---

Magic...a very personal thing.  On that topic, Eadoin is still uncertain why Seti simply refused to help, even to reassess what he thought would be true using the gifts he was granted.  Quietly, to Rita he nods.  He's careful of what he says, a lifetime of secrecy is hard to overcome.  Knowing he's in Riordeg's presence as well, he shares a bit, trusting they'll see the implications where his words likely won't completely match his intent.  "Some have duties to guide the dead, Rita, others to greet the morning, or to help lovers."

He thinks for a moment before continuing, "My own is...ummm...helping to make sure the land and it's ruler are in agreement.  When I say land, I mean...like...the earth, trees, grass, the water, everything.  It's aware, its way.  It has a soul, same as other people, like Animals, Elves, Humans, and Centaurs.  In all the ways that matter, we're part of the land.  Most of the time, the land sleeps, just dreams of itself.  From its dreaming, we get things like the Fair Folk and animals."

He shrugs a little.  "I think maybe it's a little how the Elves' special magic works, too, sorta.  Anyhow, I really don't understand it all the way down.  Sometimes, it confuses me, so I kinda think in pictures and how one thing is like another.  Master Azzos can explain it way better than me.  There's a druid with the Hybsils, too.  Likely he could explain it better.  Like you say, though, Rita, it's divine in that it's sacred.  It just doesn't work exactly the same way, even if how it comes out seems real close."

---

Gesturing slightly to the wait-a-bit bushes, Eadoin smiles easily.  "We're friends," he calls in Sylvan.  "There's not a Hun here one."


Eadoin greets the returning messenger.  "Welcome back, Cirrus.  You've news?  Come, let your horse walk a bit and tell us what's new."

Rita smiles at Riordeg when he says she already has plenty of children. He knows how much the orphans mean to her, and she appreciates that.

"Yes, I do. And I will always be their parent and look out for them, even when they are grown up. Also, some having living parents still in Lutetia Parisiorum, and I want to bring them to Raviniacum. That's one of the tasks on my list," she says, her tone earnest.

She gives Riordeg a mischievous look when he talks about teaching Theoderic and Aelasuria's children bad habits and how to drive their parents crazy.

"Oh, really?" she teases with what is clearly mock indignation. "So your true goal is to corrupt the children of the king and queen. Do you plan to share that goal with my father or with King Theoderic?"

Her smile and twinkling eyes make it obvious she is teasing him, but in fun.

The truth is, she likes this side of Riordeg. It is so different from adults among whom she grew up. Most clerics of Pluto have little to no sense of humor. They are somber and serious all the time, practically without exception. Rita understands why; dealing with death so frequently is naturally sobering. But somehow, Pluto's servants seem to have convinced themselves one can never have fun or be silly.

Eadoin's idea of bringing a grain or orchard nymph to Raviniacum intrigues her. Having fey creatures be practically part of their community would add a whole new dimension to it. Rita wonders what a grain or orchard nymph might be like, whether such a creature would interact with ordinary humans like herself.

"How does one get a nymph to show up? Do they have to be summoned?" she asks.

She worries Eadoin will take her comment about Apple Blossom as criticism, which it is not. The centaur girl did an admirable job with her garden and gave Raviniacum a magnificent harvest. Rita cannot help but admire that. But pushing oneself is not the same thing as pushing others.

"I'm sure Apple Blossom could manage a farm. I want you to know that I do genuinely admire her. I just think it would be easier for her and for those around her if she learned to relax and that it is okay to not work every moment of every day. There are no Hun overseers watching, and at this point, no one doubts her ability to produce a bountiful harvest.

I know farmers work hard because before I joined the order of Pluto, I met some of the peasants in Arras, and I saw how hard they and all their children worked. More than a few times, I helped them in the fields. I seriously considered becoming a cleric of Ceres, as she is the goddess of the harvest. It's ironic that I now am a cleric to Ceres' daughter."

She had already tried to get Apple Blossom to relax her work ethic just a bit, and it hadn't worked. "She wouldn't listen to me. She is very sensitive and would think I am criticizing her, which is not the case. If she will listen to anyone, it is you, the one she loves," Rita tells Eadoin.

"I'd sooner try to keep the tide from coming in...," Eadoin says.

That thought distracts her, as she suddenly wonders whether a spell could actually accomplish such a thing. Her eyes take on a faraway look.

"The tides are controlled by the moon. I learned that in school, and my sister says it's true even though some people doubt it. I wonder if there are spells that can affect the tides. That is the sort of thing a cleric of Neptune might know."

The wedding! Eadoin's mention of a wedding brings her back to the present. She and Riordeg have not talked about marriage, and Eadoin speaking of it might embarrass Riordeg or even scare him. What if he thinks she is manipulating the conversation in that direction?

"We will always welcome and want Apple Blossom and you at our celebrations," she says, trying to steer the conversation away from marriage and firstborn children.

The discussion of magic is actually a welcome diversion. She understands Eadoin's point about everything having a soul, including the land itself.

"I agree with you. We and the land are all a part of the cycle of life. Birth, growth, death, and rebirth. I think you understand more than you realize. It's something you feel more than think. Even if we explain things differently in our heads; in our hearts and souls, we know they're the same things. Divine is sacred, and sacred is divine."

It would be interesting to discuss such things with the hybsils' druid, she thinks to herself.

"What was that?" she asks upon seeing the blur of color in the brambles ahead. "Who are you talking to?" she asks Eadoin. "Is Flitter here?"

The last person she expects to see is Cirrus. How could she have possibly made it back to Theoderic's camp and then back here again, all in one day?

"Cirrus, are you all right?" She is genuinely concerned, and it shows in her voice. The girl looks troubled. "Did something happen--were you unable to make it back to King Theoderic and his camp?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:31, Mon 17 Sept 2012.

Perhaps it's the cold weather, more likely a chance to play the imp, but Eadoin has trouble not prancing, acting a little brother who's caught Riordeg being sweet on a girl.  At the same time, there's a mischievous hint in his words.  Does he deliberately leave some interpretation of his teasing to chance?

Later, he shakes his head about summoning a nymph.  "I mean, I guess they could be, but...ummm...it's beauty that calls to them.  A farm well-tended like no other, an orchard that is as close to perfect as can be.  It's like, trying to put a little bit of Elysium right here in the world.  One doesn't bring them, but they might come, if the farm is tended proper."

In all seriousness, Eadoin adds, "I some of them are the children of Ceres, at least I think so.  Anyhow, She protected Riordeg and Leto and me, when were went to Laodunum from a big spider thing made out of bones the Huns'd left behind, so we brought her statue back to Laodunum."  Knowing he's making an oath, he shrugs and continues anyway.  "I mean to build a shrine to her there, the farm where we'll live with the Hybsils."

---

Eadoin looks momentarily concerned that Rita is taking his expression over Apple Blossom entirely too seriously.  With an easy smile, the young Centaur shakes his head.  "Don't be too serious, Rita.  Apple Blossom is a force of nature.  In some ways, she's like a river, not to be held in check.  One can guide her course, though.  She finds solace in hard work; making plans, then doing them gives her a sense of being in charge of things in the middle of all of the crazy change that's going on around us."

Here, Eadoin begins to look a little dreamy.  "She's a fine lass and we're well matched, really.  Still, I've courted her long enough to know her moods, when to be a rock for her and when to just bend with the wind.  There's times, telling her to do otherwise than make a list and work it just gets in the way.  It's...better to let her work the way best that works for her."  Though Rita and Riordeg might not get away with the same language in the company of Centaurs, Eadoin's all sparkly-eyed with thoughts of his intended.  Maybe in his eyes, a pushy mate who keeps order in the family isn't entirely a bad thing. "Someday, she'll make a fine boss-mare, someday."

When Rita steers the discussion away from marriage, Eadoin can't help but smirk.

Riordeg smiles at the good natured teasing going on. When Rita asks if he plans on corrupting the royal children he grins and puts a finger to his lips. "Shh, it's supposed to be a secret!" He adds, "Not that I'll corrupt them, just teach them to have a little fun now and again. I'm sure they'll have enough boring tutors teaching them how to behave, I'll just teach them how to lighten up a little."

At the mention of weddings and firstborn he's a little caught by surprise. He knows what he would say if it was just him and Rita talking, but with Eadoin there too he's a little tongue-tied.

He lets Rita's deflection of the subject go without comment, resolving that this is something they will need to talk about sometime soon.

As Cirrus approaches, something about her appearance switches him back into warrior mode, and he automatically checks behind her to make sure she's not being followed.

Cirrus is indeed being followed.  Out there in a field Riordeg sees three men on horseback, and they don't look like the ones he knows.  They match the description of the group Eadoin spoke to back on their way to reunite with Theoderic.

They are not approaching, though.  Riordeg sees them slow and stop, and then just watch, staring befuddled at all the Centaurs.  Perhaps they were trying the "intercept the courier" tactic- if so, the uncanny speed of Cirrus's ride left them far behind.

Cirrus is unhurt but tired.  She dismounts, and wobbles a bit on her skinny legs.

"It is very important," she breathes.  "The Huns here have taken children, and put them in with their forces.  Theoderic is sending the priest Seti to speak to the Huns, and try to get them to retreat from here without hostages.  If they they agree, then you cannot attack first.  If they do not agree, or if they break the agreement, then it is important that the hostages not be hit.  Theoderic says that if you use archers, only careful aimed shots.  He says it would be better to hit them close and separate fighters from children."

She catches her breath and adds:  "But also, slow, halt and wait for word of Seti's mission."

And then, in a sad kind of whisper:  "Theoderic does not expect them to be honorable.  Nor do I.  Please be careful of the children." 

The fact that Eadoin and Riordeg were protected by Ceres when on their mission touches Rita deeply. Ceres, her daughter Proserpina, and Pluto are all connected. Might this relate to Rita having been called to serve Proserpina? It is a lot to think about.

"Creating a shrine to Ceres is a perfect idea for your farm. Do you plan to bring the statue of Ceres from Laodunum to your new farmland? Seti suggested building a shrine to Proserpina in Viroviacum, as we invoked her in our ritual for the Font. We had to leave so quickly, I didn't get a chance to start this, but I want to go back and create it. And if King Theoderic permits, I would like to build a shrine to Proserpina in Raviniacum as well.

That bone spider creature must be either a construct or some sort of demon," she says worriedly, realizing how much she sounds like her sister Katrina, who always suspected a demon was somehow involved. "At some point, we're going to have to deal with it. I'm thankful that Ceres watched over the two of you and kept you safe from that thing."

She smiles when Eadoin describes Apple Blossom as a force of nature.

"Apple Blossom is a strong and dedicated young lady, and she has been through far too much for someone her age. If she ever gets too serious, I know you'll be right there to bring out her playful side," she says to Eadoin.

"I apologize for my ignorance, but what is a boss mare?" Rita asks, uncertain if it is a descriptive term or a formal title.

She sees Eadoin's smirk, which must be about some private joke he shares with Apple Blossom, Rita assumes.

"I might be one of those tutors. I can teach them about how the moon controls the tides," she smiles at Riordeg when he talks about the children of Aelasuria and Theoderic. "I did teach the orphans to read and write though I didn't have enough time to do a thorough job. I hope someone is working with them on their education while I'm away from Raviniacum.

If you let me give you reading lessons, you'll see that not all tutors are boring," she says, a mischievous grin lighting up her face.

"Besides, I can't imagine Aelasuria's children not being given opportunities to have fun. They probably will have a lot of pets to play with, including blink bunnies. And unicorns will be a part of their every day lives."

Rita is alarmed to see the three men on horseback in the distance. Had they been following Cirrus? Maybe she was right after all in thinking being a courier is too risky for the girl.

When Cirrus dismounts and looks shaky, Rita rushes to her side, helping the girl lean on her for support. If Cirrus looks like she is about to collapse, Rita will pick her up and take her into her arms.

"You are in no shape to ride back today. You need to rest and regain your strength. Riordeg, could Eadoin send King Theoderic a message by a bird that Cirrus will spend the night here, so the king doesn't worry that something happened to her?"

She listens in horror at the report of the Huns mixing children with their army. Hearing that Theoderic is so concerned with assuring the children's safety once again reminds her of why she admires him so much.

"May the gods bless King Theoderic for his goodness, his care for the little ones. But how does Seti plan to convince the Huns to retreat and leave the children? Why would they listen to him?

Nonetheless, I will pray tonight to our Lord Pluto to bless Seti's mission with success," she says resolutely.

Eadoin shakes his head a little when Rita asks about bringing Ceres' statue from Laodunum to Ravinacum.  "I don't think so, nope.  Count Gaffrig promised to make Her a shrine there in Laodunum, for Her helping us bring the bones of his papa back."

"The spider-thing seemed pretty content to stay where it was, rather than roaming all over.  It was just more than we could do ourselves, at the time."

The young Centaur practically chokes, coughing to cover up his laughter.  Rita is so straight-laced.  Not entirely successful in managing his composure, Eadoin tries not to laugh.  A few moments later, once he's gotten his mirth in hand, Eadoin just looks at Rita, eyes laughing as she doesn't seem to realize yet he's basically called Apple Blossom the Centaur equivalent of a really hot dish.  At the same time, anyone else calling Apple Blossom a mare might as well consider them fighting words.

---

Eadoin looks out across the field to where the three men watch in return.  He regards them a long moment, his tail whisking behind as he listens to Cirrus relay her update to the situation, as well as the latest set of orders, delay.

He glances over at Riordeg, concerned that his folk would be along a major road, between unfriendly groups of Huns.  Staying still is a dangerous thing.  Like all of his folk, perhaps, he tends to think in terms of movement, rather than concealment or defense.

Eadoin frowns a little, then sets a hand on Cirrus' shoulder.  "Thank you, Cirrus, for bringing us this news.  We'll pause."

His earlier levity suddenly gone, Eadoin says plainly to Thayer and Riordeg.  "We can't let those men return and carry word of us to the Huns.  We won't harm them, but we can't let them warn the others."

Thayer directs one of the other Centaur leaders, Chanos:  “Take your dozen, get between the Human riders and the town.  Quickly now!  I will go with you, with mine!

Chano's “dozen” isn't a full dozen anymore, it's been partly stripped to form Eadoin's company of archers, but very quickly. The 'dozen' has come to mean a small tactical grouping of Centaurs under a leader, rather than an actual number. Very quickly, sixteen Centaur are on the move.  Speed essential; they know that many of the horses used by humans will carry a rider faster than a Centaur can run,  and Cirrus somehow goes much faster than that and...

Thayer pauses suddenly, looking as if he has had an epiphany.   He turns towards Cirrus.  “ It's not the horse, is it?”

She looks up at the big Centaur.  “What?”

Thayer doesn't stop to explain.  “Go on!” he yells to Chanos.  Then he bolts towards Cirrus and with one big arm scoops her up.   He looks surprised.

“By the white rump of the white mare, girl, are you nothing but air and feathers inside?  No, there's more to it!  What you do for your horse, now do for me!”

“Centaurs do not take riders!” Cirrus protests as Thayer puts her on his back.

Thayer has no time to argue these things.

“Just hold on and make us go,” he says.

Eadoin chuckles when Thayer scoops up Cirrus and she squeaks a protest.  He tries earnestly not to smirk when she explains that Centaurs don't carry riders, but he doesn't get a chance to let her know that she's not a rider, but a passenger.

While Thayer and Chano move out and around to cut off retreat, Eadoin watches a moment.  Waiting an appropriate time, he gestures to one of those who carries Theoderic's banner to attend them.  To Riordeg and Rita, he says easily, "Ready?  Let's go greet our guests."

He turns to go out to meet the scouts who'd followed Cirrus, ready to delay the scouts with magic should they turn to flee.

OOC: Will cast Entangle if they're close enough and they start to run.

Rita is horrified to see Thayer pick up Cirrus and put her on his back.

"No! You cannot take the child!" she says emphatically to Thayer. "She is a courier and should not be anywhere near a battle!"

How can Thayer risk Cirrus' life for a faster ride?

And why is Eadoin laughing when centaurs are normally so offended by the idea of having someone ride them?

"There is nothing funny about this," she says reproachfully to Eadoin.

"Riordeg, you are in charge of the people on this mission, not Thayer. His authority is only over the centaurs. Do not let him take Cirrus; she is exhausted and not capable of defending herself in a fight. This is wrong! She should stay behind with the rest of our camp."

Eadoin asks if she and Riordeg are ready, but Rita is not. She stays where she is, looking to Riordeg pleadingly for assistance. Cirrus is still her charge, and she could not have saved her from slavery in Lutetia Parisiorum only to have her die in a battle she is never supposed to take part in.

Eadoin's question about readiness is mostly rhetorical, of politeness to his friends, while at the same time a way of saying that he expected they'd come as well.  "They'll see no battle, Rita.  They're just going to the far side to make sure these stay to talk," he says to Rita.  "Light horses're faster'n we are, Rita, and we can't let these riders get back."

As he turns and begins to walk in the direction of the riders, he says quietly, "She's a year younger'n you, Rita, an' years older'n me."

Whether the bannerman, Rita, and Riordeg come or not, the young Centaur goes to greet the riders who'd followed Cirrus.

Still looking to Riordeg for moral support, Rita gets back on her horse and prepares to follow Eadoin.

"She had better not see any battle, or the king will hear from me," Rita responds, hoping Eadoin is right.

She is surprised to hear Eadoin say Cirrus is a year younger than her, and he is several years younger than Cirrus. She had never asked either one their ages but had assumed both were around the same age as her.

"What matters is not how old she is but the fact that she is not trained or equipped to defend herself if battle does happen."

Rita is not angry at the centaurs so much as genuinely frightened. She had been the one who had first urged Theoderic to save the children from Lutetia Parsiorum. The children were rescued to keep them safe, not to put them back at risk from the Huns. She had personally taken responsibility for them, and if any harm came to them, the responsibility would be on her.

Thayer does move faster than anyone has ever seen a Centaur run.  One might think, at that speed, Cirrus would be holding on for dear life, but she seems quite comfortable, and in no danger of being thrown as her hair and dress billows out in the wind.  Other Centaurs follow Thayer, although it is clear he will get in position first.

But, that is all he needs to do.  All that is needed is for someone, anyone, to block the route back and make the riders hesitate long enough for other Centaurs to arrive.  And if the riders won’t hesitate, perhaps the horses will…

The three riders realize that one Centaur is moving to outflank them, and they turn.  It isn’t the sight of Thayer that makes them stop.  One Centaur… they would have spurred their horses and galloped hard for Turnacum.  It’s the girl with the Centaur.  Not exactly what they expected to see.  So far from what they expected to see that they stop and stare.

“Sweet Mother Ceres…” one man says aloud.

Thayer gains his position, and following soon, a half dozen of the fastest centaurs.  Eadoin realizes he’s got an opening, now, if he wants to approach the scouts.

Eadoin does go, yes, trusting that others will follow, signalling that the archers should stand to hand, but at a distance.  Though he carries his weapons, he carries them cased and unready in his right hand.  He approaches the scouts at an easy trot, pacing closer.  With his open left hand, he waves a greeting.

"Gentlemen," he calls!  "A parley!"

The three scouts realize they are cut off... thus far they haven't been attacked by the Centaurs, but now, they wonder...

They pull together into a little knot.

“We've seen you before,” one of the men says to Eadoin.   “You were back by the Scaldia river.”

One of the three scouts, a blond haired young man, is turned towards Turnacum.. and he's watching Thayer and Cirrus.

“That's... the messenger we chased... I told you it was a girl!”

“So it is,” one of the other scouts says.  “Maybe she's an Elven witch, or maybe their Theoderic sends girls into danger.  That's not right.”

“She's beautiful,” the younger scout says, not paying attention to Eadoin at all.

Eadoin watches the three watching Cirrus and Thayer a moment.  The young Centaur frowns, as he's inclined to ask why the men were chasing Cirrus.  Still, there are other issues more pressing.  "She's no witch, no more'n you or any other.  Also, sir, she's not what we need to talk about."

He inclines his head in acknowledgement.  "Yes, I was, and the rest of my folk, as well.  I said we'd return as quickly as we could to help."

To put the men at ease, Eadoin says, "You'll come to no harm, good sirs, so long as you do not draw your weapons.  Our fight is only with the Huns themselves."  Plainly he asks the three men, "Why are you riding for them in pursuit of King Theoderic's messengers?"

Someone has to look after Cirrus, and there are also children who need to be saved. That is enough motivation for Rita to follow Eadoin's instructions, get back on her horse, and follow both Eadoin and Riordeg to the rendezvous with the three riders.

She is wearing her clerical robes with the holy symbols of Pluto. The fact that Eadoin's group is accompanied by a cleric to the Lord of the Underworld might make an impression on the riders. At minimum, it is a show of power.

Their comments about Cirrus and Theoderic sending girls into danger put Rita in a state of extreme alert. The disapproving expression on her face is obvious to anyone looking at her. Whatever it takes, she is ready to protect Cirrus in the event one or more of these men make any moves toward the girl.

Though appearing vigilant, she does not say anything. Eadoin and Riordeg are the party leaders, meaning they are the spokespeople for the group. Comments from anyone else would only confuse the riders and possibly lead them to think the party did not speak with one voice. Rita will remain quiet unless the conversation goes in the direction of religious concerns.

Thayer's actions took Riordeg by surprise, and the only way he could see to assist Cirrus (if she needed it) was to move into position quickly, with overwhelming force.

He doesn't have the time to give a long explanation, so he settles for, "Cirrus will be safest if we give her backup, dear. Then the scouts won't dare try anything. We can talk about the rest of it later."

With that he puts his heels to his horse's flanks and canters after Eadoin and the others, readying his weapons as he goes.

He is a little surprised at Eadoin's politeness with the scouts. "We can't let them report our dispositions to the Huns. Either we take them prisoner or fill them full of arrows. The king's safety is paramount, and we can't afford to be squeamish."

Readying his own bow, he waits for the scouts to make their choice.

After Riordeg responds to Rita, Eadoin decides not to use his three-times-daily druidic ability to engage others in recursive conversation; Linguistic Fugue is a mighty power that should only be used for good.  Epona frowns on his using it for injecting amusing, but somewhat snide commentary after the action has moved the scene forward.

---

At once, Eadoin is grateful for the support of his friends.  Though he can easily sense Rita's tension, he appreciates her silent support and the solemn, officious presence she provides just by being there.  Even the Huns respect and fear Pluto.  On the other hand, he's not seen this warlike side of Riordeg, even when they travelled together to Laodunum.  He's both concerned and relieved that he doesn't have to play that role himself.

His tail giving a whisk, the young Centaur can only hope that others can follow his lead.  He's nearly as tall himself as a man in the saddle of a courser, those of the light cavalry, though he's nothing like the size of Thayer and the others who have moved to flank the group.  He uses every bit of his size to his advantage now, first looking the scouts opposite with a level gaze, then briefly as he turns to regard Riordeg.

He makes no move to draw a weapon, nor to defend himself, but gestures briefly to Riordeg, a slight downward motion of his hand with his fingers slightly spread.  "I'm certain these men meant no offense, Lord Riordeg, speaking of the king so.  Pray, be at peace, sir."

Hoping beyond hope that Riordeg can take his hint, Eadoin turns back to the scouts.  Though he faces the three men and their mounts, it's clear he's speaking both to his party and to them as he continues.  "These men and I have met before near a river not too far from here.  We parted not under the best of terms.  If I don't mistake them, their leader is Fernand of Juliomagus and he seemed an honorable man who valued the terms of a parley.  The Huns held the families of these men and others hostage against their conduct.  When we parted, I left their lord with a promise to bring help as swiftly as I could.  He promised to send riders ahead to act as his couriers."

To the scouts he asks again to refocus them, "Why are you riding for the Huns in pursuit of King Theoderic's messengers?"  With a very subtle inclination of his head towards Rita and an intimation that she has secret mystical powers, he adds, "Speak plainly and truthfully, gentlemen.  Lord Pluto attends your every word."

  The three riders are surprised by Eadoin's question, as if the answer should be self evident.

"We were told to stop the messenger, because a large army was coming."

"And now we've stopped you!" Thayer says, approaching from behind them with Cirrus.  "Throw down your weapons and surrender!"

"Eadoin told them not to draw their weapons," Cirrus reminds the Centaur quietly and politely.

"So he did," Thayer says, nodding.  "Let me clarify, when a Centaur says not to draw your weapons, he's saying it is okay to draw them, as long as the purpose is throwing them down immediately thereafter."

"Or just handing them over," Cirrus says.

"RIght.  Handing them over is also acceptable."

"And..." Cirrus starts.

"And other actions which get us to the same end," Thayer says, guessing where Cirrus may be going with this.  "As long as the understanding is, you draw them, briefly handle them, and then they are no longer in your possession.  Got it?"

The three guards are enormously outnumbered, and they have no cause here for which they would fight to the death.  Very soon, their weapons are discarded on the ground.  But there are noises to the west, shouts and sounds of metal from the town of Turnacum, still a half mile away.

Cirrus listens intently, and looks worried.

"There is arguing, in Latin and in Orcish," she says, though no one else can hear it.  "Commotion and confusion."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:23, Fri 28 Sept 2012.

Eadoin frowns deeply, then shakes his head in disappointment.  He'd expected Fernand to be a man of his word, to send hand-selected men ahead to act as messengers.  There's too much risk in allowing even one of the scouts return to carry word of them ahead.  To Chanos and the Thayer, he says easily in Sylvan, switching to Greek if there seems to be a hint of recognition amongst the scouts.  "Separate these from their horses and from each other.  Bind them if you judge it needs be so, but do not be cruel, nor harm them without need.  A group should be set aside to guard prisoners, as there may be others when the fighting is done."

It occurs to him that some misdirection and guidance might be best.  Given the rising sounds of conflict to the west, he decides to hold an impromptu war council, but not before adding something for those guarding the scouts.  "Get those men far from here."  He gestures back to the east.  "The other side of the wood."

He calls for the leaders of the dozens, for all but a handful of his folks to be gathered near.  The handful he leaves out as scouts to keep an eye on the developing situation near the town.  Riordeg has seen Eadoin in combat, fought alongside him near Laodunum.  Rita, perhaps, has never seen this side of the young Centaur, nor even suspected it existed.  It's not Josia's staff Eadoin takes up for his gestures, but his own spear, and the Salian shield.  Eadoin gives a long pause, his tail whisking behind as people assemble.  He's unsure how many of his people speak Latin, so he speaks mostly in Sylvan, repeating himself in Latin for those with the band who may not understand the forest tongue.

"The Huns..are there," Eadoin says, pointing towards the town.  "They're mostly foot, but some may ride worgs, others mighty beasts of war.  They'll mean to get past us to the east.  This is something that will not happen.  This is the stream," he says, "this is the wood, that is the road where the Huns will know their tide has crested and is receding.  This is the place they will first come to know that they've failed."  He continues, raising his spear at the end, "You are the people, we are the people who will give them pause and tell them that they've failed; every arrow, every club, every sword and hoof and spear is a reminder of the bitter truth their cause is already lost."

"They're already worried, cowering behind children and forcing Men to guard them while keeping their families hostage against their conduct.  They'll come pursued by the King's cavalry, harried and trying to defend themselves while they retreat.  That cavalry is the hammer and we are to be the anvil upon which the Huns are struck."

Eadoin pauses, looking out over the group for long-lingering seconds.  "Our task is twofold, to stop the Huns here and to save what hostages we can.  To that end, we'll work by thirds: one third to the archers, one to take the first attack to the Huns, the last to stand as guard to those captured and to act as reserve.  Chanos, stand in the woodline with the archers until the Huns are close, give them two full volleys: one to surprise them, the second to cover the approach of Thayer's third.  Thayer, get amongst them.  Lord Riordeg, can you lead the last third, to follow Thayer and his.  Your task is to rescue the children while Thayer's fight the Huns."

"Give the Humans amongst them no reason to fight.  Defend yourselves from them, but where you can, kill a Hun before any Man.  Start with their leaders and their shamans, then to their cavalry.  We've a hard thing to do, but White Mare protects us.  That we're here is our faithful answer to Her will."

Riordeg allows Eadoin's psyching up of the centaurs to flow over him. He's heard speeches before, and hopes it has the intended effect.

When asked to lead the reserves, he gives a terse nod. Rescuing the children is going to be a tricky assignment. He details two centaurs to remain with the prisoners, and urges the rest of his group to form up behind Thayer's third.

"Remember, the fighting is secondary for us." he reminds his troops. "Our first responsibility is to reach the hostages and keep them safe. Defend yourselves, and if anyone threatens the hostages, cut them down immediately."

He understands Eadoin's attempt to prevent harm to any humans accompanying the huns, but he doesn't want his troops hesitating. In a battle like this, that can get you killed.

Eadoin looks briefly to Riordeg, his tail momentarily whisking.  He watches the exchange as Riordeg speaks to his third.  The young Centaur's spoken his piece, what must be done, but he leaves the how of how the thing is completed to Riordeg, Chanos, and Thayer.

Whenever there's a lull in the planning, the making ready, and a return to waiting, Eadoin approaches Rita.  Very easily, he says, "Thanks for being here, Rita.  I know it's hard to be away from the orphanage and the little ones.  I just wanted to say how much I appreciate your coming with us.  It means quite a lot to have you here."

He lets a few seconds pass in silence between them before he continues, "Take care ahead, Rita.  You're our best healer, far better'n me."  Not really knowing how to address such a sensitive topic, He perhaps makes a blunder of things, but he's at least got sincerity on his side.  " You might see stuff that'll move you to do something, but you being here to make a difference when weapons alone can't might just help us to carry the day.  Your blessings to heal might mean somebody gets to see one more dawn than they would without you there to guide them back to the living."

Turning to look at Rita, his concern plain, he says, "Just...take care, I guess, I mean."  His resolve to do a good job is mingled with plain apprehension.  In front of his folk, he'd been a young chief talking to fellow warriors.  Now, he's just Eadoin, scuffing a forehoof at the turf, and once more a young lad trying to seem older than his years.  As if he can wish away the knot of pain in his stomach by asking after others, he says, "Have you given a thought to where you'll be during the fight?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Sun 30 Sept 2012.

Thayer makes a wide loop, galloping in a circle, and passing by Rita.

He uses the maneuver to drop Cirrus off.  Now that he knows not to be surprised by Cirrus’s lack of weight, he literally hands her off in passing, telling Rita, “Without so much as a scratch!  She’s all yours, now!”

And then he hurries to catch up to his battle formation, drawing his shield hand holding it in front, heading with his Centaur warriors towards the approaching mass of Orcs, as Chanos gets the archers ready in the wood line.

Between their wood line and the town gate the battlefield is wide and open.  Way off to their right, they see some of Theoderic’s light cavalry, obviously coming to help box the Orcs in.

There don’t appear to be many Humans among the Orcs...  no Human warriors that you can see but then… here and there, in between the Orcs, you get a glimpse of smaller bodies, many in peasant's tunics, hustling along in the middle of the Orcs, sometimes stumbling and being picked up again.

Chanos quickly realizes that shooting at long range is going to be difficult, if those young Humans are to be spared.  He tries a daring strategy.

"Bird arrows!" the Centaur calls out.  Some of the Centaurs have a few of these.  They are pronged, not single points.  They don't hit or penetrate as well as war arrows, but the forked head has a much higher chance of hitting a small bird, and with a bird, any hit is a good one, and brings in dinner.  Those Centaurs that have them, ready them.

The three riders taken prisoner are watched over by a team of Centaurs.  The Humans know enough to know they are out of this fight.  They've been captured honorably… now it is just stand and wait, and see what happens.  Although, one of the three doesn’t seem to mind, as long as he can watch Cirrus.